Three new Myrioneuron alkaloids, myrifamines A–C
(1–3), with unique skeletons were
isolated from Myrioneuron faberi. The absolute configuration
of 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction
analysis, and the stereochemistry of the other two alkaloids was determined
using a combination of ROESY experiments and calculated and experimental
electronic circular dichroism spectra. Myrifamine C (3) is the first example of a symmetric dimer among the Myrioneuron alkaloids. Known alkaloids myrionamide (4) and schoberine
(5) were also isolated, and experimental NMR and X-ray
diffraction data suggest their structural revision. Compound 2 showed significant inhibitory activity toward the hepatitis
C virus in vitro, with a therapeutic index (CC50/EC50) greater than 108.7.