A new bibenzyl derivative (1), 4-acetoxy-3,5,3',4'-tetramethoxybibenzyl, along with eight known compounds (2-9), was isolated from the twigs and leaves of Schefflera arboricola (Araliaceae). The isolated compounds were elucidated mainly by means of one-dimensional, two-dimensional NMR and MS, and by comparison with the literature data. Compounds 2-5 and 7-9 are first reported from this plant. In the in vitro assays, compound 1 displayed moderate nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitory activity.
Keywords: Schefflera arboricola; bibenzyl derivative; nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitory activity.