Ponapensin, a cyclopenta[bc]benzopyran with potent NF-κB inhibitory activity from Aglaia ponapensis

Two new compounds, a cyclopenta[bc]benzopyran, ponapensin (1), and an aglaialactone, 5,6-desmethylenedioxy-5-methoxy-aglalactone (2), together with nine known compounds were isolated from the CHCl3 soluble extract of the leaves and twigs of Aglaia ponapensis. Their structures were established by spectroscopic data interpretation. Ponapensin (1) exhibited significant NF-κB inhibitory activity in an Elisa assay, and was found to be more potent than the positive control rocaglamide. All of the compounds isolated were also tested in a panel of human cancer cell lines, with the known sterol E-volkendousin (3) and methyl rocaglate (aglafoline) found to be the only active substances.