Cytotoxic furostanol saponins and a megastigmane glucoside from tribulus parvispinus

Two new furostanol saponins, (25R)-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-5alpha-furostan-2alpha,3beta,22alpha,26-tetraol 3-O-{beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside} (1) and (25R)-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-5alpha-furostan-3beta,22alpha,26-triol 3-O-{beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside} (2), and their O-methyl derivatives (3 and 4), and a new megastigmane glucoside, (6S,7E,9xi)-6,9,10-trihydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one 10-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), along with one known spirostanol saponin, gitonin (5), and four known megastigmane glucosides were isolated from the aerial parts of Tribulus parvispinus. Their structures were established by detailed spectroscopic analysis. The cytotoxic activities of 1-6 against U937, MCF7, and HepG2 cells were evaluated. Compounds 2 (IC(50) 0.5 microM) and 5 (IC(50) 0.1 microM) showed the highest activity against U937 cells.     

New steroidal glycosides from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris

Three new steroidal saponins (1-3) were isolated from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris. Their structures were assigned by spectroscopic methods (IR, HRESIMS, 1D- and 2D-NMR) as 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5beta-furost-20(22)-en-3bet a, 26-diol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5beta-furost-20(22)-en-3bet a, 26-diol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -->4)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside (2), and 25(S)-5beta-spirostan-3beta-ol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-( 1-->2)-[b eta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside (3). Compound 3 showed cytotoxicity against a human malignant melanoma cell line (SK-MEL).     

Four new dammarane saponins from Zizyphus lotus

Five dammarane-type saponins were isolated by means of centrifugal partition chromatography from the leaves of Zizyphus lotus. Their structures were elucidated using a combination of 1D and 2D 1H and 13C NMR spectra and mass spectroscopy. One of these glycosides is the known jujuboside B (5). Three are new jujubogenin glycosides, identified as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyljujubogenin-20-O-(2,3,4-O-triacetyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyljujubogenin-20-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[(4-sulfo)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyljujubogenin (3). The last is a new sulfated derivative of jujubasaponine IV, identified as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[(4-sulfo)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(20R,22R)-16beta,22:16alpha,30-diepoxydammar-24-ene-3beta,20-diol (4).     

Glandulosides A-D, triterpene saponins from Acanthophyllum glandulosum

Four novel triterpenoid saponins, glandulosides A (1), B (2), C (3), and D (4), together with two known saponins (5 and 6) have been isolated from the roots of Acanthophyllum glandulosum. Their structures were elucidated using a combination of homo- and heteronuclear 2D NMR techniques (COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC) and by FABMS. The new compounds were characterized as 23-O-beta-D-galactopyranosylgypsogenic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-d-galactopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside (1), 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosylgypsogenin-28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-3-O-acetyl-beta-D-fucopyranoside (2), 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosylgypsogenin-28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-3,4-di-O-acetyl-beta-D-fucopyranoside (3), and 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosylgypsogenin-28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[3-O-acetyl-beta-D-quinovopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside (4).     

Sulfated pregnane glycosides from Periploca graeca

Six new pregnane glycosides, four of them sulfated derivatives, were isolated from small branches of Periploca graeca. The compounds were identified as 16alpha-[(6-O-sulfo-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]pregn-5-en-20-ol-3beta-yl O-(2-O-acetyl-beta-D-digitalopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-beta-D-cymaropyranoside (1), 16alpha-[(6-O-sulfo-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]pregn-5-en-20-ol-3beta-yl O-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-oleandropyranoside (2), 16alpha-[(6-O-sulfo-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]pregn-5-en-20-ol-3beta-yl O-beta-D-oleandropyranoside (3), 16alpha-[(6-O-sulfo-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]pregn-5-ene-3beta,20-diol (4), 20-O-[(beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-digitalopyranosyl)oxy]pregn-5-en-16beta-ol-3beta-yl O-beta-D-digitalopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-d-cymaropyranoside (5), and calogenin 3-O-beta-D-digitalopyranoside-20-O-beta-D-canaropyranoside (6). Three pregnane glycosides, previously reported from the genus Periploca, were also isolated. Structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR experiments, HRESIMS, elemental analysis, and chemical degradation.     

卷丹化学成分研究

目的：研究卷丹Lilium lancifolium鳞茎中的化学成分。方法：用色谱法分离卷丹的化学成分,用波谱法鉴定其结构。结果：从卷丹中分离并鉴定了10个化合物,分别为王百合苷A(1),王百合苷C(2),甲基-α-D-吡喃甘露糖苷(3),甲基-α-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(4),(25R,26R)-26-甲氧基螺甾烷-5-烯-3β-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖-(1→2)-［β-D-吡喃葡萄糖-(1→6)］-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(5),(25R)-螺甾烷-5-烯-3β-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖-(1→2)-［β-D-吡喃葡萄糖-(1→6)］-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(6),(25R,26R)-17α-羟基-26-甲氧基螺甾烷-5-烯-3β-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖-(1→2)-［β-D-吡喃葡萄糖-(1→6)］-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(7),胡萝卜苷(8),腺嘌呤核苷(9),小檗碱(10)。结论：除化合物1,3外均为首次从该植物中分离得到,其中10为首次从百合属植物中发现。     

Tupichigenin A, a new steroidal sapogenin from Tupistra chinensis

From the underground parts of Tupistra chinensis, a novel polyhydroxylated spirostanol sapogenin, tupichigenin A [(20S, 22R)-spirost-25(27)-ene-1beta,2beta,3beta,5beta- tetraol] (1), was isolated and determined structurally on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Also isolated was the known steroidal sapogenin (20S, 22R)-spirost-25(27)-ene-1beta,2beta,3beta,4beta, 5beta, 7alpha-hexaol-6-one (2).     

Saponarioside C, the first alpha-D-galactose containing triterpenoid saponin, and five related compounds from Saponaria officinalis

Six novel triterpenoid saponins, named saponariosides C-H, were isolated from the whole plants of Saponaria officinalis. Their structures were established as saponarioside C (1), 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-gypsogenic acid-28-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-- >6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside; saponarioside D (2), 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-gypsogenic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6) -[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside; saponarioside E (3), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-gypsogenic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6) -[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside; saponarioside F (4), 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxygypsogenic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6) -[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside; saponarioside G (5), 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxygypsogenic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3 )]-beta-D-glucopyranoside; and saponarioside H (6), 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-gypsogenic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, by a combination of extensive NMR (DEPT, COSY, HOHAHA, HETCOR, HMBC, and NOESY) studies and chemical degradation.     

Antifungal activities and action mechanisms of compounds from Tribulus terrestris L

Antifungal activity of natural products is being studied widely. Saponins are known to be antifungal and antibacterial. We used bioassay-guided fractionation to have isolated eight steroid saponins from Tribulus terrestris L., which were identified as hecogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (TTS-8), tigogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (TTS-9), hecogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (TTS-10), hecogenin-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (TTS-11), tigogenin-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside (TTS-12), 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl]-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-methoxy-(3beta,5alpha,25R)-furostan-3,26-diol (TTS-13), hecogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (TTS-14), tigogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (TTS-15). The in vitro antifungal activities of the eight saponins against five yeasts, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Cryptococcus neoformans were studied using microbroth dilution assay. In vivo activity of TTS-12 in a Candida albicans vaginal infection model was studied in particular. The results showed that TTS-12 and TTS-15 were very effective against several pathogenic candidal species and Cryptococcus neoformans in vitro. It is noteworthy that TTS-12 and TTS-15 were very active against Candida albicans (MIC(80) = 10 and 2.3 microg/mL) and Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC(80) = 1.7 and 6.7 microg/mL). Phase contrast microscopy showed that TTS-12 inhibited hyphal formation, an important virulence factor of Candida albicans, and transmission electron microscopy showed that TTS-12 destroyed the cell membrane of Candida albicans. In conclusion, TTS-12 has significant in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity, weakening the virulence of Candida albicans and killing fungi through destroying the cell membrane.     

Triterpene glycosides from Cimicifuga racemosa

Eight new triterpene glycosides named cimiracemosides A-H, respectively, and eight known triterpene glycosides were isolated from the rhizome extracts of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). The new compounds were determined by spectral data to be 21-hydroxycimigenol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (1), 21-hydroxycimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (2), cimigenol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (3), 12beta-acetoxycimigenol-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (4), 24-acetylisodahurinol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (5), 20(S),22(R), 23(S),24(R)-16beta:23;22:25-diepoxy-12beta-acetoxy-3be ta,23, 24-trihydroxy-9,19-cycloanost-7-ene-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (6), 20(S),22(R),23(S),24(R)-16beta:23;22:25-diepoxy-12beta -acetoxy-3beta, 23,24-trihydroxy-9,19-cycloanost-7-en-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyrano side (7), and 20(S),22(R),23(S), 24(R)-16beta:23;22:25-diepoxy-12beta-acetoxy-3beta,23, 24-trihydroxy-9,19-cycloanostane-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (8).     

Trypanocidal withanolides and withanolide glycosides from Dunalia brachyacantha.

Two new withanolide glycosides, (20R,22R)-O-(3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1 alpha,12 beta-diacetoxy-20-hydroxywitha-5,24-dienolide (3) and (20R,22R)-O-(3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-1 alpha-acetoxy-12 beta,20-dihydroxywitha-5,24-dienolide (4), were isolated from the leaves and root of Dunalia brachyacantha. Their aglycones, (20R,22R)-1 alpha,12 beta-diacetoxy-3 beta,20-dihydroxywitha-5,24-dienolide (or 1 alpha,12 beta-diacetyldunawithagenine) and (20R,22R)-1 alpha-acetoxy-3 beta,12 beta,20-trihydroxywitha-5,24-dienolide (or 1 alpha-acetyl-12 beta-hydroxydunawithagenine), are novel. The known 18-acetoxywithanolide D (1) and 18-acetoxy-5,6-deoxy-5-withenolide D (2) were also isolated from the leaves. These last two compounds were shown to be responsible for the trypanocidal, leishmanicidal, and bactericidal activities manifested by the crude ethanolic extract. The structures were deduced from spectroscopic data and on the basis of chemical evidence.     

Triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Pulsatilla koreana

Six new saponins, five lupanes (1-5) and one oleanane (6), along with 11 known saponins, were isolated from the roots of Pulsatilla koreana. The structures of the new saponins were found to be 23-hydroxy-3beta-[(O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (1), 23-hydroxy-3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (2), 3beta-[(O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (3), 3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (4), 23-hydroxy-3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (5), and hederagenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (6). Their structures were determined on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR ((13)C NMR, (1)H NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) methods, FABMS, and hydrolysis. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against A-549 human lung carcinoma cells.     

Microbial transformation of 20(S)-protopanaxatriol-type saponins by Absidia coerulea

Three 20(S)-protopanaxatriol-type saponins, ginsenoside-Rg1 (1), notoginsenoside-R1 (2), and ginsenoside-Re (3), were transformed by the fungus Absidia coerulea (AS 3.3389). Compound 1 was converted into five metabolites, ginsenoside-Rh4 (4), 3beta,2beta,25-trihydroxydammar-(E)-20(22)-ene-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rh1 (6), 20(R)-ginsenoside-Rh1 (7), and a mixture of 25-hydroxy-20(S)-ginsenoside-Rh1 and its C-20(R) epimer (8). Compound 2 was converted into 10 metabolites, 20(S)-notoginsenoside-R2 (9), 20(R)-notoginsenoside-R2 (10), 3beta,12beta,25-trihydroxydammar-(E)-20(22)-ene-6-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (11), 3beta,12beta-dihydroxydammar-(E)-20(22),24-diene-6-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (12), 3beta,12beta,20,25-tetrahydroxydammaran-6-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (13), and compounds 4-8. Compound 3 was metabolized to 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg2 (14), 20(R)-ginsenoside-Rg2 (15), 3beta,12beta,25-trihydroxydammar-(E)-20(22)-ene-6-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (16), 3beta,12beta-dihydroxydammar-(E)-20(22),24-diene-6-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (17), 3beta,12beta,20,25-tetrahydroxydammaran-6-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (18), and compounds 4-8. The structures of five new metabolites, 10-13 and 16, were established by spectroscopic methods.     

Cytotoxic steroidal saponins from the rhizomes of Asparagus oligoclonos

Two new steroidal saponins, aspaoligonins A (2) and B (3), were isolated from the methanolic extract of the rhizomes of Asparagus oligoclonos together with a known spirostanol saponin, asparanin A (1). Aspaoligonins A and B were characterized as (25S*)-5beta-spirostan-3beta,17alpha-diol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (25S*)-5beta-spirostan-3beta,17alpha-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyanosyl (1-->4)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively, by spectrometric analyses including HRFABMS and 2D NMR. Compounds 1-3 were cytotoxic against five human tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 2.05-2.84 microg/mL.     

New triterpenoid saponins and sapogenins from Saponaria officinalis

Five new triterpenoid saponins, named saponariosides I-M, were isolated from the whole plants of Saponario officinalis. Their structures were established as saponarioside I (1) 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-16 alpha-hydroxygypsogenic acid 28-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)[-beta-D-glucopyranoside[, saponarioside J (3) 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosylolean-11,13(18)-diene-23,28-dioic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)[- beta-D-glucopyranoside[, saponarioside K (4) 3,4-seco-16 alpha-hydroxygypsogenic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)[-beta-D-glucopyranoside[, saponarioside L (5) 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosylgypsogenic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)[-beta- D- glucopyranoside[, and saponarioside M (6) 3-O-beta-D-glucopyrano-sylgypsogenic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D- glucopyranoside[ by NMR studies and chemical degradations. The aglycons of saponariosides J (3) and K (4) are new sapogenins.     

Three new triterpenes from Nerium oleander and biological activity of the isolated compounds

New ursane-type triterpene 1, oleanane-type triterpene 2, and dammarane-type triterpene 15 were isolated from the leaves of Nerium oleander together with 12 known triterpenes, 3beta-hydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid (ursolic acid, 3), 3beta,27-dihydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid (4), 3beta,13beta-dihydroxyurs-11-en-28-oic acid (5), 3beta-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-aldehyde (6), 28-norurs-12-en-3beta-ol (7), urs-12-en-3beta-ol (8), urs-12-ene-3beta,28-diol (9), 3beta-hydroxy-12-oleanen-28-oic acid (oleanolic acid, 10), 3beta,27-dihydroxy-12-oleanen-28-oic acid (11), 3beta-hydroxy-20(29)-lupen-28-oic acid (betulinic acid, 12), 20(29)-lupene-3beta,28-diol (betulin, 13), and (20S,24R)-epoxydammarane-3beta,25-diol (14). On the basis of their spectroscopic data, the structures of the new compounds 1, 2, and 15 were established as 3beta,20alpha-dihydroxyurs-21-en-28-oic acid, 3beta,12alpha-dihydroxyoleanan-28,13beta-olide, and (20S,24S)-epoxydammarane-3beta,25-diol, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of the seven isolated compounds and methyl esters of ursolic acid and oleanoic acid in vitro was examined on the basis of inhibitory activity against the induction of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The anticancer activity of the 14 isolated compounds, including 1, 2, 15, and methyl esters of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid in vitro was examined on the basis of the cell growth inhibitory activities toward three kinds of human cell lines.     

Microbial transformations of diosgenin by the white-rot basidiomycete Coriolus versicolor

Microbial transformation of diosgenin (3β-hydroxy-5-spirostene) using white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor afforded four previously unreported polyhydroxylated steroids, 25(R)-spirost-5-en-3β,7α,15α,21-tetraol (5), 25(R)-spirost-5-en-3β,7β,12β,21-tetrol (6), (25R)-spirost-5-en-3β,7α,12β,21-tetraol (7), and (25R)-spirost-5-en-3β,7β,11α,21-tetraol (8), along with three known congeners, 25(R)-spirost-5-en-3β,7β-diol (2), 25(R)-spirost-5-en-3β,7β,21-triol (3), and 25(R)-spirost-5-en-3β,7β,12β-triol (4). These structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR as well as HR-ESIMS analysis. In addition, we provide evidence for two new microbial hydroxylations of diosgenin: C-21 primary carbon hydroxylation and C-15 hydroxylation. The 3β-hydroxyl group and double bond in the B-ring of diosgenin were found to be important structural determinants for their activity.     

Phenylethanoid glycosides from Globularia trichosantha.

Five phenylethanoid glycosides, crenatoside (= oraposide) (1), verbascoside (= acteoside) (2), trichosanthoside A (3), rossicaside A (4), and trichosanthoside B (5), were isolated from the aerial parts of Globularia trichosantha. Compounds 3 and 5 are new natural compounds, and their structures were established as 3, 4-dihydroxy-beta-phenylethoxy-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha -L- rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-4-O-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 3, 4-dihydroxy-beta-phenylethoxy-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alph a-L -rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-4-O-caffeoyl -beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively. The structures of all compounds were established by spectral evidence. Compounds 1-5 also demonstrated scavenging properties toward the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical in TLC autographic assays.     

Two new spirostanol saponins from Allium tuberosum.

Two new spirostanol saponins, tuberosides D and E, have been isolated from the seeds of Allium tuberosum. On the basis of spectral data and chemical reactions, their structures were established as (25S)-5alpha-spirostane-2alpha,3beta-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4 )]-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (25S)-5alpha-spirostan-2alpha, 3beta-diol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)] -O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of carumbelloside-I isolated from Caralluma umbellata

The phytochemical study using Caralluma umbellata (Asclepiadaceae) whole plant allowed the isolation of a novel pregnane glycoside named carumbelloside-I (3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3beta,14beta -dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one). Carumbelloside-I was evaluated for both antinociceptive activity and anti-inflammatory activity. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated in mice using the writhing test method, while the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in rats using the paw edema test with carrageenin. Carumbelloside-I has significant antinociceptive action. It has no anti-inflammatory activity.