Nardostachys chinensis Batalin, A new cytotoxic sesquiterpene, eudesm-11-en-2,4α-diol, was isolated from Nardostachyschinensis and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic means. From the underground parts of Nardostachyschinensis, a novel aristolane-type sesquiterpenoid, kanshone C, was isolated along with the major constituent nardosinone. The structure of kanshone C was shown to be (1S, 10S)-8,9-dioxo-1,10-epoxyaristolane by spectral analysis.

Four novel guaianoids, nardoguaianone A, B, C and D, were isolated from Nardostachyschinensis roots. The structures were elucidated by spectral means and chemical transformation. Antinociceptive activities of the constituents of N. chinensis, including some of the above novel compounds, were investigated by the formalin test. As a result, it was revealed that nardoguaianone A and D showed activity at the second phase of pain induced by formalin injection.