Neo ‐clerodane Diterpenoids with Hypoglycemic Effects in Vivo from the Aerial Parts of Salvia hispanica L.

A new neo ‐clerodane diterpenoid, salvihispin H ( 1 ), and six known ones ( 2 – 7 ) were identified from the aerial parts of Salvia hispanica L. The structure and absolute configuration of 1 were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic ( 1 H, 13 C, and 2D NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The anti‐diabetic effects of salvihispin H ( 1 ) and salvifaricin ( 2 ) were evaluated in diabetic db/db mice. The data showed that 1 and 2 could significantly reduce fasting blood glucose level and improve insulin resistance, and compound 1 exerted glucose‐lowering effect more quickly than metformin. In addition, 1 and 2 could also reduce serum TG level in db/db mice. These results demonstrated that compounds 1 and 2 could be considered as potent candidates for the therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).