A meroterpenoid NF-kappa B inhibitor and drimane sesquiterpenoids from asafetida
Investigation of an acetone extract from asafetida afforded two drimane sesquiterpene dienones (fetidones A and B, 1a,b) and several known sesquiterpene coumarin ethers, one of which (8-acetoxy-5-hydroxyumbelliprenin, 2a) showed potent and specific NF-kappa B-inhibiting properties. This, coupled to a negligible cytotoxicity, qualifies 2a as a new anti-inflammatory chemotype, and its occurrence in