A new 2-arylbenzofuran derivative and other constituents from Smilax china L. and their chemotaxonomic significance

One previously undescribed 2-arylbenzofuran derivative ( 1 ), three stilbenes ( 2 - 4 ), three acetophenone glycosides ( 5 – 7 ), three phenylpropanoids ( 8 – 10 ), and eight flavonoids ( 11 – 18 ) were isolated from the rhizome of Smilax china L. in this study. NMR spectra elucidated their structures and were compared with previously reported data. Compounds 1 , 5 – 7 , 10 , and 18 were identified for the first time in Smilax china L. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was detected on HeLa cells by the CCK-8 method, and compound 4 was found to possess the highest cytotoxic activity with an IC 50 value of 34.81 ± 1.50 μg/mL. Further studies revealed that the cytotoxic effect of compound 4 on HeLa cells was related to apoptosis and the cell cycle. In addition, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds was discussed.