Diverse guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids from the root of Daphne genkwa based on molecular networking

Eleven undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, named daphnegenols A-K (1–11) and a known analog (12) were targeted for isolation from the root of Daphne genkwa by LC-MS/MS-based molecular networking. Their diverse structures were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic methods, quantum chemical calculation and X-ray single crystal diffraction, including 5/7 bicycle, 5/6/7 tricycles and 5/6/5 tricycles guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid. Daphnegenol A (1) possessed a rare six membered oxyheterocyclic ring which was constructed by oxidation and cyclization at C-1 and C-11. The anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-neuroinflammatory activities of compounds 1–12 were measured.