(±)-Zanthonitidumines A and B: Two new benzophenanthridine alkaloids enantiomers from Zanthoxylum nitidum and their anti-inflammatory activity

Two new benzophenanthridine alkaloids enantiomers (±)-zanthonitidumines A (1) and B (2), along with seven known analogues (3-9), were isolated from Zanthoxylum nitidium. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic techniques and ECD data. Compound 2 exhibited the most significant inhibition of IL-6 generation as well as TNF-α release which suggest that it may be a potential anti-inflammatory agent.