Evaluation of diterpenoids from P. ornatus as potential COX-1 inhibitors Avaliação de diterpenos isolados de P. ornatus como potenciais inibidores da COX-1

Natural products are a rich source of drug candidates for clinical use. The Plectranthus ornatus Codd. belongs to a genus associated to the isolation of diterpenoids which are responsible for various biological activities. The three diterpenoids under study were isolated in the past from P. ornatus and are now being evaluated as potential COX-1 inhibitors. Obtained results suggest that rhinocerotinoic acid (2), but not halimane (3) and plectrornatin C (1), has a mild COX-1 inhibitory activity. Current studies are being carried out to understand if these compounds have effect as COX-2 inhibitors. This will contribute to establish their possible interest as anti-inflammatory agents.