Limonoids from the fruits of Swietenia macrophylla with inhibitory activity against H 2 O 2 -induced apoptosis in HUVECs.

The fruits of Swietenia macrophylla (skyfruits) are commercially used as healthcare products to improve blood circulation. An investigation of active ingredients of skyfruits led to the isolation of four new limonoids, swietemacrolides A-D (1-4), together with ten known limonoids (5-14) and one proto-limonoid (15). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of MS and NMR data analysis. Swietemacrolide C (3) at the concentration of 10 μM showed significant protective effect on H2 O2 -induced apoptosis in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs), while swieteliacate D (5) displayed moderate anti-apoptotic activity.