From the roots of Isatis indigotica, ten compounds (1-10) were isolate
d. Compound 1 is a new alkaloid whose structure was elucidated as ,5'-
dimethoxy-4'-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-indolinone. Compounds 2-4 were disc
overed for the first time from a natural source and compounds 5-7 were
originally isolated from this species. In a preliminary study, compou
nds 4-8 showed antiendotoxic activities in vitro.