Bioactive components from Sinomenium acutum exhibit anti-inflammatory activity and sensitize cervical cancer cells to paclitaxel

Six previously undescribed compounds, together with twelve known compounds, were isolated from Sinomenium acutum. The structures of the unreported compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, 13C NMR calculations followed by DP4 + analysis, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Nine compounds exhibited more potent anti-inflammatory activities than the positive control indomethacin. The structure-activity relationship of the isolates with anti-inflammatory effects was elucidated, providing some useful clues for designing and developing structurally novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Furthermore, five compounds reversed the paclitaxel resistance in paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cells HeLa/PTX. The combination of compound 4 and paclitaxel promoted cancer cell apoptosis.