Flavonoids, triterpenoids and a lignan from Vitex altissima.

A new tetrahydrofuranoid lignan, altissinone (1) and a new acylated flavone C-glucoside, 2''-O-p-hydroxybenzoylorientin (2), were isolated in addition to several known triterpene acids and flavonoids from the ethyl acetate extractives of the leaves of Vitex altissima. The structures of the compounds were established based on interpretation of high resolution NMR (HMQC, HMBC and NOESY) spectral data. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in rat paw edema model. The flavonoids and triterpene acids showed moderate antioxidant and 5-lipoxygenase enzyme inhibitory activities, respectively.