Abstract

A phytochemical investigation of Kaempferia elegans rhizomes led to the isolation of two undescribed isopimarane diterpenoids, named elegasins A (1) and B (2), together with seven known compounds (3–9). Structural characterization was achieved using extensive spectroscopic techniques. The structure of elegasin A (1) was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In addition, their absolute configurations were assigned based on electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectral data and comparison with previously reported literature data. The anti-inflammatory potential of these isolates was evaluated via nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among the isolates, compounds 1, 5 and 7 showed moderate NO inhibitory activity with favorable selectivity indices, highlighting them as promising anti‑inflammatory lead candidates.