Two new cytotoxic diterpenes from the rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum.

Phytochemical investigation of CHCl(3) extract of the rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum led to the isolation of two new labdane-type diterpenes, compounds 1 and 2 along with five known compounds (3-7). Their structures were established on the basis of NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectroscopic analysis. In addition, all the isolates were tested for their cytotoxicity against the Colo-205 (Colo-cancer), A-431 (skin cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), A-549 (lung cancer) and Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO). Two new compounds 1 and 2 were shown good cytotoxic activity.