Evaluation of antioxidant activity of new constituents from the fruits of Lycium chinense

Two new compounds as labd-7,11-dien-3β, 13α-diol-3α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2a → 1b)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2b → 1c)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2c → 1d)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2d → 1e)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2e → 1f)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2f → 1g)-α-l-arabinopyranoside (1), and 5 (6), 11 (12), 15 (15′), 5′ (6′), 11′ (12′)-decadehydro-β-carotenyl-4β,4′β-diol-4-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2a → 1b)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2b → 1c)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2c → 1d)-β-l-arabinopyranosido-4′-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2e → 1f)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2f → 1g)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2g → 1h)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(2h → 1i)-β-l-arabinopyranoside (2) along with known compound have been isolated from the methanol extract of fruits of Lycium chinense. Their chemical structures were established with the help of physical, chemical, and spectroscopic methods. The compounds 1 and 2 were investigated for scavenging of the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and the phosphomolybdenum activity, and the results demonstrate that the compound (1) has potential as a natural antioxidant whereas the compound (2) exhibited moderate antioxidant activity.     

New cycloartane glycosides from the aerial part of Thalictrum fortunei

Four new cycloartane glycosides, 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-fucopyranosyl (22S,24Z)-cycloart-24-en-3β,22,26-triol 26-O-(6-O-acetyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-fucopyranosyl (22S,24Z)-cycloart-24-en-3β,22,26-triol 26-O-(6-O-acetyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (24S)-cycloartane-3β,16β,24,25,30-pentaol 25-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (3) and 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (24S)-cycloartane-3β,16β,24,25,30-pentaol 25-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Thalictrum fortunei. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive NMR and HR-ESI-MS analyses, along with acid hydrolysis.     

Two new triterpenoid saponins from Sarcandra glabra

Two new triterpenoid saponins, named sarcandroside A and B, have been isolated from Sarcandra glabra (Thunb) Nakai. Their structures have been established as 3β,19α,20β-trihydroxyurs-11,13 (18)-diene-28,20β-lactone-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 3)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 2)]-β-d-xylopyranoside (1) and 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 3)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 2)]-β-d-xylopyranosyl-pomolic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (2) by means of spectral and chemical methods.     

Murine metabolism and absorption of lancemaside A, an active compound in the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata

Lancemaside A, a triterpenoid saponin isolated from the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata, has been reported to ameliorate the reduction of blood testosterone levels induced by immobilization stress in mice. In the present study, we investigated the metabolism and absorption of lancemaside A in mice. After oral administration of lancemaside A at 100 mg/kg body weight, the unmetabolized compound appeared rapidly in plasma (t _max = 0.5 h). Lancemaside A has a low bioavailability (1.1%) because of its metabolism by intestinal bacteria and its poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, we identified four metabolites from the cecum of mice after oral administration of lancemaside A: codonolaside II, echinocystic acid, echinocystic acid 28-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl ester, and echinocystic acid 28-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl ester. Among these metabolites, codonolaside II and echinocystic acid were detected in plasma, and their t _max values were 4 and 8 h, respectively. These findings should be helpful for understanding the mechanism of the biological effect of lancemaside A.     

Four new triterpenoid glycosides from the seed residue of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis

Four new triterpenoid saponins (1–4) were isolated from the seed residue of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis, named 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-13-ene-19-one-28-oic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-13-ene-19-one-30-hydroxyolean-28-oic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-13-ene-19-one-28-oic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (3), and 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-13-ene-19-one-30-hydroxyolean-28-oic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (4), and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods.     

Steroidal saponins from the leaves of Yucca de-smetiana and their in vitro antitumor activity: structure activity relationships through a molecular modeling approach

Four steroidal saponins were isolated from the leaves of Yucca de-smetiana Baker. Their structures were established using one- and two- dimensional NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The structure of the new steroidal saponin was identified as: (25R)-3β-hydroxy-5α-spirostan-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-galactopyranoside (desmettianoside C) along with three known spirostanol and furostanol saponins. The isolated saponins were evaluated for their antitumor activity against HCT116, MCF7, HepG2, and A549 cell lines. Saponins 3 and 4 showed potent activity against HCT116, MCF7, and HepG2 cell lines in comparison with the positive control doxorubicin. A molecular modeling approach was performed to establish conformational criteria that could affect the biological activity of the isolated saponins.     

Puberosides C–E,triterpenoid saponins from Glochidion puberum

Three new triterpenoid glycosides, named puberosides C–E (1–3), were isolated from the water-soluble fraction of Glochidion puberum (Linn.) Hutch. Their structures were determined as 3α-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-22α-trans-cinnamoyl-olean-12-ene-16α,28-diol, 3α-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-22α-cis-cinnamoyl-olean-12-ene-16α,28-diol, and 3α-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-22α-benzoyloxy-olean-12-ene-16α,28-diol by the combination of 1D, 2D NMR, and MS spectral analyses.     

Three new steroidal saponins from Fritillaria pallidiflora

Three new steroidal saponins, pallidiflosides A (1), B (2), and C (3), have been isolated from the dry bulbs of Fritillaria pallidiflora Schrenk. Their structures were elucidated as 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5,20(22)-dien-3β,26-diol-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl(1 → 4)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (1); 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-3β,26-dihydroxyl-20,22-seco-25(R)-furost-5-en-20,22-dione-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2); and (25R)-spirost-5-ene-3β,17α-diol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 4)-β-d-galactopyranoside (3) by spectroscopic techniques and chemical means.     

Two new triterpenoid saponins from Ardisia crenata

Two new triterpenoid saponins, ardisicrenoside K (1) and ardisicrenoside L (2), have been isolated from the roots of Ardisia crenata Sims. Their structures have been determined as 3β-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-l-arabinopyranosyl}-13β,28-epoxy-16-oxo-30,30-dimethoxyoleanane and 3β-O-{β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-l-arabinopyranosyl}-13β,28-epoxy-16α,20-dihydroxyoleanane by means of chemical evidences and spectral analysis. Their weak anti-fungal activity against the plant pathogenic fungus Pyricularia oryzae was evaluated in vitro.     

Phenylethanoid and flavone glycosides from Ruellia tuberosa L.

A new phenylethanoid glycoside, isocassifolioside (8), and two new flavone glycosides, hispidulin 7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1′″ → 2″)-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (11) and pectolinaringenin 7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1′″ → 2″)-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (12) were isolated from the aerial portions of Ruellia tuberosa L., together with verbascoside (1), isoverbascoside (2), nuomioside (3), isonuomioside (4), forsythoside B (5), paucifloside (6), cassifolioside (7), hispidulin 7-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (9) and comanthoside B (10). The structure elucidations were based on analyses of chemical and spectroscopic data including 1D- and 2D-NMR. The isolated compounds 1–12 exhibited radical scavenging activity using ORAC assay.     

Triterpenoid glycosides from Stauntonia chinensis

A new bidesmoside triterpenoid saponin, named stauntoside C1 (1), along with three known saponins (2–4) was isolated from Stauntonia chinensis DC. (Lardizabalaceae). Their structures were established by means of spectral and chemical methods as 3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1), scabiosaponin E (2), sieboldianoside B (3), and kizutasaponin K₁₂ (4).     

A new triterpenoid saponin from the stem of Akebia trifoliata var. australis

A new triterpene glycoside mutongsaponin F (1), together with five known saponins and two known lipids, was isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of the stems of Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz. var. australis (Diels) Rehd. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of the spectroscopic analysis and physicochemical properties as 3-β-[(β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-]-α-l-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-30-norolean-12-en-28-oic acid α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 3-β-[(β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-]-α-l-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-30-norolean-12-en-28-oic acid (2), leonticin E (3), collinsonidin (4), arjunolic acid 28-O-glucopyranoside (5), asiatic acid 28-O-glucopyranoside (6), soya-cerebroside I (7), and 1-O-α-l-galactosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-galactosyl-3-O-hexadecanoyl-glycerol (8), respectively.     

Triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Clematis chinensis Osbeck

A new triterpenoid saponin named clematichinenoside AR₂, along with the six known compounds, was isolated and characterized from Clematis chinensis Osbeck (Ranunculaceae), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatoid activities. The structure of the new saponin was elucidated as 3-O-β-[(O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-d-ribopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]olean-12-en-21α-hydroxy-28-oic acid-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1) by spectral analysis and chemical methods. The effects of two major saponins (clematichinenosides AR and AR₂) on the secretion of TNF-α in murine peritoneal macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharides were further investigated. The result indicated that a majority of triterpenoid saponins of this herb may be useful in the exploration of lead compounds for the treatment of some autoimmune diseases.     

Antihepatotoxic, nephroprotective, and antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds from Satureja macrostema leaves against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in mice

Satureja macrostema (SM) is used with culinary and medicinal purposes. Methanol extract from SM was investigated for its phenolic content, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and kidney protective activities. Liver and kidney damage were induced in rats with CCl₄. Hepatoprotective efficacy was measured by the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and total protein, and lipid peroxidation. Kidney function was evaluated by measuring plasma urea and creatinine. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring blood glutathione content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and malondialdehyde equivalent; their activity was comparable to that of silymarin, a well-known hepatoprotective agent. Methanol extracts of S. macrostema showed potent antioxidant, kidney protective, and hepatoprotective activities; in-depth chromatographic investigation resulted in the identification of six new flavonoid glycosides: 5-hydroxy-3,6,4′-trimethoxyflavonol-7-C-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), 4′-methoxy-5,7,3′,5′-tetra-hydroxyflavanone-3-O-β-d-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-rhamnopyranoside (3), 5,4′-dimethoxy-7,3′,5′-trihydroxyflavanone-3-O-β-d-rhamnopyranoside (4), 5,3′,4′,5′-tetrahydroxyflavanone-7-O-β-d-rhamnopyranoside (5), 5,3′,4′,5′-tetramethoxyflavanone-7-O-β-d-rhamnopyranoside (6), and 5,4′-dimethoxy-3′-hydroxyflavone-7-β-d-rhamnopyranoside (8) along with three known compounds: 5-hydroxy-7,4′-dimethoxyflavone (1), prunin (7), and diosmin (9) that were isolated. Structural elucidation of the new compounds was established based on the spectral data. The present study revealed that S. macrostema leaves have a significant radical scavenging and hepatoprotective activity.     

Triterpenoid saponins from the root of Anemone tomentosa

Three new triterpenoid saponins, tomentoside A (1), B (2) and C (3), along with four known saponins (4?C7) were isolated from the root of Anemone tomentosa. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-??-d-ribopyranosyl-(1??3)-??-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1??2)-[??-d-glucopyranosyl-(1??4)]-??-l-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-??-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1??4)-??-d-glucopyranosyl-(1??6)-??-d-glucopyranoside (1), 3-O-??-d-ribopyranosyl-(1??3)-??-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1??2)-[??-d-glucopyranosyl-(1??4)]-??-d-xylopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-??-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1??4)-??-d-glucopyranosyl-(1??6)-??-d-glucopyranoside (2) and 3-O-??-d-galactopyranosyl-(1??3)-??-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1??2)-??-d-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-??-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1??4)-??-d-glucopyranosyl-(1??6)-??-d-glucopyranoside (3) on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence. In the oligosaccharide chains of compound 3, the characteristic d-galactose residue is a rare structural feature and secondly encountered among triterpenoid saponins from Anemone.     

Two new furostanol glycosides from the fibrous root of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl

Two new furostanol glycosides, ophiopogonins H (1) and I (2), were isolated from the fibrous root of Ophiopogon japonicus. The structures of 1 and 2 were established as (25R)-26-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)]-22α-hydroxyfurost-5-ene-3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucopyranoside and (25R)-26-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)]-20α-hydroxyfurost-5,22-diene-3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucopyranoside on the basis of spectroscopic means including HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments.     

A new nortriterpenoid saponin from the roots of Symplocos caudata Wall

A new nortriterpenoid saponin, 3β,17β-dihydroxy-28-nor-12-oleanen-16-one 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl (1 → 2)-{α-l-arabinopyranosyl (1 → 3)-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl (1 → 4)-β-d-glucuronopyranoside]} (1), along with two pairs of known isomers, was isolated from the roots of Symplocos caudata Wall. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods.     

Two new triterpenoid saponins from Symplocos Chinensis

Two new triterpenoid saponins, symplocososides X (1) and Y (2) have been isolated from the roots of Symplocos chinensis, and their structures elucidated as 21β-O- cinnamoyl-22α-O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-15α, 16α, 28-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-3β-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 2)]-α-l-arabinofuranosyl (1 → 4)-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (1) and 21β-O-cinnamoyl-22α-O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-15α, 16α, 28-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-3β-O-(3-O-acetyl)-[β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 2)]-α-l-arabinofuranosyl (1 → 4)-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (2) by spectral and chemical methods. Their antitumor activities have also been tested.     

Two novel furostanol saponins from Ophiopogon japonicus

Two novel furostanol saponins were isolated from the fresh tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus. Comprehensive spectroscopic analysis allowed the chemical structures of the compounds to be assigned as (25R)-26-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)]-22α-hydroxyfurost-5-ene-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (1, ophiopogonin F) and (25R)-26-[(O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl)]-22α-hydroxyfurost-5-ene-3-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (2, ophiopogonin G). The rare furostanol saponins with two glucosyl residues at C-26 position were isolated from the natural source for the first time.     

Two new steroidal saponins from Tribulus terrestris

Two new steroidal saponins and two known flavonoid glycosides were isolated from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris. Their structures were assigned by spectroscopic analysis and chemical reaction as 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5α-furostan-12-one-3β,22α,26-triol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 4)-β-d-galactopyranoside (1), 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5α-furostan-22-methoxy-2α,3β,26-triol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl(1 → 4)-β-d-galactopyranoside (2), kaempferol-3-gentiobioside (3), and isorhamnetin-3-gentiobioside (4).