Pogocablanols A–G, a new class of sesquiterpenoids with an unprecedented bicyclic sesquiterpenoid skeleton from Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) and their activities

Pogocablanols A–G (1–7), seven new compounds with an unprecedented sesquiterpenoid skeleton, were isolated from the aerial parts of Pogostemon cablin. This novel type of sesquiterpenoids, named pogocablane-type sesquiterpenoids, possesses a bicyclic nonisoprenoid system, including a five-membered carbocycle with a methyl group, a six-membered carbocycle with two methyl groups, and a methylene connecting the two carbocycles. Particularly, three isomers have an interesting 1-oxaspiro[4,4]nonane moiety. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined using extensive spectroscopic evidence, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Pogocablanols A–D (1–4) exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on rat jejunum smooth muscle contraction induced by acetylcholine, with Emax values varying from 48.87 ± 4.01% to 69.02 ± 7.54%. Preliminary structure–activity relationship analysis suggested that the oxaspirocycle and the pyran ring in pogocablanols are important structural features for the relaxing effects on jejunum smooth muscle. This study offered crucial support for more investigation and development of P. cablin by showing that these pogocablane-type sesquiterpenoids had the potential to be applied in pharmaceutical and functional food formulations.