A lignan and four terpenoids from Brucea javanica that induce differentiation with cultured HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells.

A novel lignan, guaiacylglycerol-beta-O-6'-(2-methoxy)cinnamyl alcohol either, three known simaroubolides, brusatol, dehydrobrusatol, yadanziolide C, and the known terpenoid, blumenol A, were obtained as active compounds from an ethyl acetate-soluble extract of Brucea javanica, using a bioassay based on the induction of cell differentiation with human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. Also obtained were the known coumarinolignan, cleomiscosin A, and the known quassinoid glycoside, bruceoside B, which were inactive in the HL-60 cell test system. The structure of the new lignan was determined by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques.