Abstract

Two new 3,4-epoxy group-containing abietane diterpenoids (1 and 2), together with five known diterpenoids (3–7), were isolated from Ajuga decumbens. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, NMR calculations, and X-ray diffraction experiments. The structures of two known abietane diterpenoids were revised based on NMR calculations and X-ray diffraction data. Notably, compound 4 specifically inhibited RSL3-induced ferroptosis with an EC₅₀ of 56 nM by antioxidation. Moreover, 4 significantly decreased RSL3-induced lipid and cytosolic ROS accumulation and ferroptosis marker gene PTGS2 mRNA expression. This work reports the most potent natural inhibitor against ferroptosis found so far.