Accumulated data have emphasized the critical role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Chinese black ants (Polyrhachis dives), an edible insect, are well-known for kidney tonifying and anti-inflammatory properties. We have conducted a study that led to isolation of thirteen nonpeptide nitrogen containing compounds from P. dives. Most of these substances possess pyridine moieties and three are alkaloids isolated for the first time from natural sources. Based on ethnopharmacological considerations, the biological potentials of these substances were determined utilizing multiple assays including renal protection, T-, B-lymphocyte proliferation, TNF-alpha, COX-1, COX-2, and Jak3 kinase inhibition. The finding that several members of this family display activities in one or more of these assays has led to the elucidation of part of the chemical profile of P. dives in terms of non-peptide, small-molecule components. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.