Structures and Spasmolytic Activities of Derivatives from Sesquiterpenes of Alpinia speciosa and Alpinia japonica

Abstract

Sesquiterpenes isolated from Alpinia speciosa and Alpinia japonica, and their derivatives were found to inhibit histamine- or barium chloride-induced contraction of excised guinea pig ileum when tested by the Magnus method. Major spasmolytic principles contained in those extracts were the sesquiterpenes, β-eudesmol, nerolidol, humulene epoxide II and 4α-hydroxydihydroagarofuran. Relationships between the chemical structures of the sesquiterpenes and their derivatives, and their spasmolytic activities were discussed.