Immunosuppressive sesquiterpene alkaloids from Tripterygium wilfordii

Nine new sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids [wilfornines A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4), E (5), F (8), and G (9); wilfordinines I (6) and J (7)] and six kno wn compounds (10-15) were isolated from a clinically used extract (T-II) of Tripterygium wilfordii. The structures of 1-9 were elucidated by spectrosc opic and chemical methods. The inhibitory effects on cytokine production of 1-3 and several related compounds were evaluated. Compounds 10 and 14 show ed significant inhibitory effects on cytokine production.