In Vitro Hypoglycemic Diterpenoids from the Roots of Croton yunnanensis

Fifteen compounds including nine new diterpenes were isolated from the roots of Croton yunnanensis. By HRESIMS, NMR, ECD data, and X-ray diffraction analysis, the new compounds were characterized as eight neo-clerodane diterpenes (compounds 1–8) and one 15,16-dinor-ent-pimarane diterpene (9). All diterpenes were assayed for their hypoglycemic activities. Compounds 1–4, 6, 7, and 10 promoted glucose uptake activity in insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Compounds 1 and 6 showed insulin sensitizing activity, potentiating conspicuously their glucose uptake activity at a concentration of 20 μM when treated synergistically with low-concentration insulin at 1 nM.