A novel hexahydrodibenzofuran derivative with potent inhibitory activity on melanin biosynthesis of cultured B-16 melanoma cells from Lindera umbellata bark.

A novel cinnamoyl-hexahydrodibenzofuran derivative (1) was isolated from the bark of Lindera umbellata. The structure was determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis to be (5aR*,6R*,9R*,9aS*)-4-cinnamoyl-3,6-dihydroxy-1-methoxy-6-me thyl- 9-(1-methylethyl)-5a,6,7,8,9,9a-hexahydrodibenzofuran. Compound 1 showed potent inhibitory activity on melanin biosynthesis of cultured B-16 melanoma cells without causing any cytotoxicity in the cultured cells or skin irritation in guinea pig.