Diterpenoids from the fruits of Rhododendron molle, potent analgesics for acute pain

Rhododendron molle G. Don is one of the most potent traditional Chinese medicines for pain relief. Prior investigations have shown that Rhododendrons are rich sources of terpenoids. In our continuing efforts to identify structurally unique and biologically interesting diterpenoids, the fruits of R. molle were collected from Guangxi Province. A chemical study was carried out on the EtOH extract, which led to the isolation of 18 diterpenoids including 12 new compounds. The isolation and structural elucidation of new compounds 1–12, as well as the evaluation of the antinociceptive activities of these compounds were reported.