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.     

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.     

Triterpene saponins in the defensive secretion of a chrysomelid beetle, Platyphora ligata

The secretion of the defensive glands of adults of the chrysomelid beetle Platyphora ligata from Panama has been shown to contain, besides chlorogenic acid (1) and a mixture of phosphatidylcholines, two new oleanane triterpene saponins, named ligatosides A and B. Their structures were established as 3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-16alpha,23-dihydroxyoleanol ic acid-28-O-2-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-16a lpha, 23-dihydroxyoleanolic acid-28-O-2-(3, 4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), respectively, by a combination of extensive 1D and 2D NMR methods (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and TOCSY) and FABMS. This is the first report of triterpene saponins in the defensive secretion of an insect.     

Biologically active triterpenoid saponins from Acanthopanax senticosus

Three new triterpenoid saponins, acanthopanaxosides A (1), B (7), and C (13), were isolated from the leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus, together with 12 known saponins. The structures of these new saponins were established as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-30-nor-olean-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (7), and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-3beta-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28,29-dioic acid (13), on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical degradation. Among the known compounds, sessiloside and tauroside H1 are reported for the first time from A. senticosus. The biological activity of compounds 1-15 was examined against pancreatic lipase. Ciwujianoside C1 (6), tauroside H1 (11), 3-O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-arabinopyranosyl mesembryanthemoidigenic acid (12), acanthopanaxoside C (13), sessiloside (14), and chiisanoside (15) inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. In turn, ciwujianosides C2 (3), D2 (5), C4 (8), and C3 (10) and hederasaponin B (9) enhanced this enzyme.     

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).     

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.     

藏药五脉绿绒蒿中非生物碱成分

目的:研究藏药五脉绿绒蒿Meconopsis quintuplinervia的化学成分。方法:应用色谱技术分离纯化,用波谱学方法确定化合物结构。结果:从乙醇提取物中分离得到12个化合物,分别鉴定为:槲皮素-3-O-β-D-葡萄糖苷(Ⅰ),槲皮素-3-O-[β-D-半乳糖(1→6)]-β-D-葡萄糖苷(Ⅱ),山柰素-3-O-[β-D-葡萄糖(1→2)]-β-D-葡萄糖苷(Ⅲ),异鼠李黄素-3-O-[β-D-半乳糖苷(1→6)]-β-D-葡萄糖(Ⅳ),咖啡酸(Ⅴ),原儿茶酸(Ⅵ),对羟基肉桂酸(Ⅶ),2-(3,4-二羟苯基)-乙醇β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(Ⅷ),对羟基苯甲酸β-D-吡喃葡萄糖酯苷(Ⅸ),肉桂酸4-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(Ⅹ),5,7-二羟基色原酮(Ⅺ),胡萝卜苷(Ⅻ)。结论:除Ⅵ和Ⅻ外,其余10个化合物均为首次从该属植物中发现。     

Activity of triterpenoid glycosides from the root bark of Mussaenda macrophylla against two oral pathogens.

Four new triterpenoid glycosides were isolated from the root bark of Mussaenda macrophylla. Their structures were determined as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16alpha- hydrox y-23-deoxyprotobassic acid (1), 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxy-23-deoxyprotobassic+ ++ acid (2), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16alpha- hydrox yprotobassic acid (3), and 3-O-?[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2 )-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)?-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O- beta-D-glucopyranosyl-cycloarta-22,24-dien-27-oic acid (mussaendoside W, 4). Four known triterpenoids [3-O-acetyloleanolic acid (5), 3-O-acetyldaturadiol (6), rotundic acid (7), and 16alpha-hydroxyprotobassic acid (8)] were also isolated. The structures of 1-4 were determined by several spectroscopic techniques including 2D NMR methods. Compounds 1-6 showed inhibitory activity against a periodontopathic bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, but were inactive against the cariogenic organism, Streptococcus mutans.     

Naphthopyranone glycosides from Paepalanthus microphyllus

Three new naphthopyranone glycosides, paepalantine-9-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), paepalantine-9-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), and paepalantine-9-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), along with the known paepalantine-9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated from aerial parts of Paepalanthus microphyllus. These compounds were characterized by spectrometric methods, including electrospray mass spectrometry and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. As a part of our program for screening natural compounds for anti-HIV activity, compounds 1-4 were tested in C8166 cells infected with HIV-1MN.     

Steroidal saponins from the rhizomes of Polygonatum sibiricum

Four new steroidal saponins, named neosibiricosides A-D (1-4), were isolated from the rhizomes of Polygonatum sibiricum, along with two known spirostanol glycosides. The structures of the new glycosides were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and acid hydrolysis as (23S,24R,25R)-1-O-acetylspirost-5-ene-1beta,3beta,23,24-tetrol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-fucopyranoside (1), (25S)-1-O-acetylspirost-5-ene-1beta,3beta-diol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (2), (25S)-spirost-5-en-3beta-ol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-2-O-acetyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (3), and (25R,S)-spirost-5-en-3beta-ol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (4). The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated with human MCF-7 breast cancer cells.     

Three new acylated triterpene saponins from Acanthophyllum squarrosum

Three new triterpenoid saponins, 1-3, were isolated from the roots of Acanthophyllum squarrosum. Their structures were established mainly by 2D NMR techniques as 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-gypsogenin-28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-3-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-3,4-di-O-acetyl-beta-D-fucopyranoside (1), 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-gypsogenin-28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[5-O-acetyl-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->3)]-4-O-acetyl-beta-D-fucopyranoside (2), and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-quillaic acid-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3).     

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).     

Antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity of constituents of the leaves of Tachigalia paniculata

Two new myricetin glycosides, myricetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and myricetin 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), together with the known compounds quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (4), quercetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (5), methyl gallate (6), isovanillin (7), 4-hydroxymethylbenzoate (8), 3,4-dihydroxymethylbenzoate (9), and caffeoyl aldehyde (10) were isolated from the leaves of Tachigalia paniculata. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods. Their antioxidant activity was determined by measuring free-radical scavenging effects using three different assays, namely, the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay, the coupled oxidation of beta-carotene and linoleic acid (autoxidation assay), and the inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity. Compounds 1, 2, and 6 showed activity in the TEAC test, compounds 5-7 and 10 were moderately active in the autoxidation assay, while compounds 1 and 2 were the most potent of the isolates in the xanthine oxidase test.     

黄花倒水莲降血脂活性成分研究

从黄花倒水莲Polygala fallaxHem sl.根的降血脂有效部位中分离得到四个皂苷类化合物,分别鉴定为3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegen in 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)--βD-fucopyransoyl ester(Ⅰ)、3-O--βD-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)--βD-glucopyranosyl presenegen in 28-O-β-D-xy-lopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-(3-O-acetyl)-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester(Ⅱ)、3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegen in 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)--αL-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-(4-O-acetyl)-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester(Ⅲ)和3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)--βD-glucopyranosyl presenegen in 28-O-β-D-xylopyrano-syl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-(3,4-d iacetyl)--βD-fucopyranosyl ester(Ⅳ)。     

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.     

Triterpene saponins, quaternary ammonium compounds, phosphatidyl cholines, and amino acids in the pronotal and elytral secretions of Platyphora opima and Desmogramma subtropica

Secretions of the pronotal and elytral glands of adults of the chrysomelid beetle Platyphora opima from Panama have been shown to contain two oleanane triterpene saponins: the known 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-oleano lic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and compound 1, whose structure was established as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-29- hydrox yoleanolic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR methods (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and TOCSY) and FABMS. The secretions also contained N,N,N-trimethylcadaverine and its 1, 2-dehydro derivative 3, as well as the nicotinamide derivative 4. Secretions of Desmogramma subtropica, also from Panama, contained as sole triterpene derivative 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-24- hydrox yoleanolic acid (2), together with glutamic acid, glutamine, pyroglutamic acid, and arginine. A mixture of phosphatidylcholines was also present in the secretions of both species.     

Saponins from the flower buds of Buddleja officinalis

Five new saponins, mimengosides C-G (1-5), were isolated from the flower buds of Buddleja officinalis along with five known compounds, namely, songaroside A, acteoside, phenylethyl 2-glucoside, echinacoside, and phenylethyl alcohol 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The structures of 1-5 were elucidated using spectroscopic and chemical methods, and these compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against HL-60 leukemia 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.     

Polyhydroxylated spirostanol saponins from the tubers of Dioscorea polygonoides

Three new polyhydroxylated spirostanol saponins (1-3) were isolated from the tubers of Dioscorea polygonoides. The structures of these new compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and the results of acid or enzymatic hydrolysis as (23S,24R,25S)-23,24-dihydroxyspirost-5-en-3beta-yl O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), (23S,25R)-12alpha,17alpha,23-trihydroxyspirost-5-en-3beta-yl O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), and (23S,25R)-14alpha,17alpha,23-trihydroxyspirost-5-en-3beta-yl O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), respectively.     

Four new triterpenoid saponins from Conyza blinii

Three new bisdesmosidic saponins named conyzasaponins A, B, and C (1-3) and one new monodesmosidic saponin, conyzasaponin G (4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Conyza blinii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR (DEPT, DQF-COSY, HOHAHA, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and MS studies. Compounds 1-3 share a common prosapogenin, bayogenin 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, which is identical with conyzasaponin G (4), and differ in the structures of the ester-linked sugar moieties at C-28. Conyzasaponin A (1) is the 28-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ester, conyzasaponin B (2), the 28-O-beta-D-apiofurano- syl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ester, and conyzasaponin C (3), the 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ester of the prosapogenin, respectively.