Chemical constituents of the aerial parts of Schnabelia tetradonta

A phytochemical study on the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Schnabelia tetradonta led to the isolation of five new compounds, 1-5, together with seven known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral data interpretation as 2alpha,3alpha,23,29-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (1), 3-O-beta-d-glucuronopyranosyl-2beta,3beta,16beta-trihydroxy-28-norolean-12-en-15-on-23-oic acid (2), 21-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-3beta,21alpha,30-trihydroxyolean-13(18)-en-24-oic acid (3), 6-C-beta-l-arabinopyranosyl-8-C-alpha-l-arabinopyranosylapigenin (4), and 4-acetylaminoethylphenyl 1-O-[6-O-(Z)-p-methoxycinnamoyl-beta-d-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-[beta-d-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-alpha-l-rhamnopyranoside (5), respectively.     

Two major saponins from seeds of Barringtonia asiatica: putative antifeedants toward Epilachna sp. larvae

Two major saponins have been isolated from a methanol extract of the seeds of Barringtonia asiatica, and their structures elucidated (mainly by two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy) as 3-O-[[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyloxy]-22-O-(2-methylbutyroyloxy)-15,16,28-trihydroxy-(3beta,15alpha,16alpha,22alpha)-olean-12-ene (3) and 3-O-[[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyloxy]-22-O-[2(E)-methyl-2-butenyloyloxy]-15,16,28-trihydroxy-(3beta,15alpha,16alpha,22alpha)-olean-12-ene (4). The antifeedant properties of 3 and 4 toward Epilachna larvae are discussed.     

A new triterpene saponin from Pittosporum viridiflorum from the Madagascar rainforest.

A novel triterpenoid saponin, pittoviridoside (1), which possesses an unusual 2,3,4-trisubstituted glycosidic linkage, has been isolated from Pittosporum viridiflorum using the engineered yeast strains 1138, 1140, 1353, and Sc-7 for bioactivity-guided fractionation. The structure of this compound was determined to be 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-[alpha-D-arabinopyranosyl(1-->3)],[alpha-l-arabinofuranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21-angeloyl-22-senecioylolean-12-en-3beta,15alpha,16alpha,21beta,22alpha,28-hexol by spectral, chemical, and GC analyses. This compound showed weak cytotoxicity against the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line.     

Kinmoonosides A-C, three new cytotoxic saponins from the fruits of Acacia concinna, a medicinal plant collected in myanmar

Three genuine saponins, named kinmoonosides A-C (1-3), have been isolated, together with a new monoterpenoid (4), from a methanolic extract of the fruits of Acacia concinna. The structures of kinmoonosides A-C were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis as 3-O-?alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2) ]-b eta-D-glucopyranosyl?-21-O-?(6R, 2E)-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-6-O-[4-O-(2'E)-6'-hydroxyl-2'-hydroxymet hyl-6'-methyl-2',7'-octadienoyl-beta-D-quinovopyranosyl]-2, 7-octadienoyl?acacic acid 28-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-a lpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1); 3-O-?alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2) ]-b eta-D-glucopyranosyl?-21-O-?(6S, 2E)-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-6-O-[4-O-(2'E)-6'-hydroxyl-2'-hydroxymet hyl-6'-methyl-2',7'-octadienoyl-beta-D-quinobopyranosyl]-2, 7-octadienoyl?acacic acid 28-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-a lpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2); and 3-O-?alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2) ]-b eta-D-glucopyranosyl?-21-O-[(2E)-6-hydroxyl-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl- 2,7-octadienoyl]acacic acid 28-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-a lpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), respectively. The new monoterpenoid 4 was determined as 4-O-[(2E)-6-hydroxyl-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-2, 7-octadienoyl]-D-quinovopyranose. Compounds 1-3 showed significant cytotoxicity against human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells.     

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).     

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.     

Four new triterpenoidal saponins acylated with one monoterpenic acid from Gleditsia sinensis.

Four new oleanane-type triterpenoidal glycosides, named gleditsiosides A-D (1-4), were isolated from the anomalous fruits of Gleditsia sinensis. Using modern NMR techniques, including DQF-COSY, HETCOR, HOHAHA, HMBC, and ROESY experiments and MS analysis as well as chemical methods, their structures were determined as 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)- bet a-D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[(6S,2E)-6-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-2, 7-octadienoyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1); 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)- bet a-D-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[(2E)-2-hydroxylmethyl-6-hydroxy-6-methy l-2 ,7-octadienoyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2); 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)- bet a-D-glucopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta- D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[(2E)-2-h ydroxylmethyl-6-hydroxy-6-methyl-2, 7-octadienoyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3); and 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)- bet a-D-glucopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta- D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[(6S, 2E)-6-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-2, 7-octadienoyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (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.     

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.     

Monoterpene glycosides and triterpene acids from Eriobotrya deflexa

A phytochemical study on a methanolic extract of leaves of Eriobotrya deflexa led to the isolation and characterization of nine terpenoid compounds. Four of these are new chemical entities, including two monoterpene glycosides, (3S)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[4-O-(E)-coumaroyl]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-linalool (1) and (3S)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[4-O-(Z)-coumaroyl]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-linalool (2), and two triterpene acids, 1beta,2alpha,19alpha-trihydroxy-3-oxo-12-ursen-28-oic acid (3) and 2alpha,3alpha,19alpha-trihydroxy-12-oleanen-28-oic acid (4). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The activities of these isolates in an in vitro antiproliferation test were also determined.     

Oleanane and taraxerane glycosides from the roots of Gomphrena macrocephala

Phytochemical screening of the roots of Gomphrena macrocephala, with particular attention to its triterpene glycoside constituents, has resulted in the isolation of two new oleanane glycosides (1 and 2) and a new taraxerane glycoside (3). The structures of 1-3 were determined as 11alpha,12alpha-epoxy-3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl)oxy]olean-28,13-olide (1), 11alpha,12alpha-epoxy-3beta-[(O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl)-oxy]olean-28,13-olide (2), and 11alpha,12alpha-epoxy-3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl)oxy]taraxer-14-en-28-oic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), respectively, on the basis of their spectroscopic data and the results of hydrolysis. The aglycones (1a and 3a) of 1-3 with an epoxy group showed cytotoxic activity against HSC-2 human oral squamous carcinoma cells.     

Antitubercular activity of triterpenoids from Lippia turbinata

Assay-guided fractionation of the antitubercular MeOH-CH(2)Cl(2) extract obtained from Lippia turbinata led to the isolation of four novel triterpenoids-3beta,25-epoxy-3alpha,21alpha-dihydroxy-22beta-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-oyloxy)olean-12-ene-28-oic acid (1); 3beta,25-epoxy-3alpha,21alpha-dihydroxy-22beta-angeloyloxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid (2); 3beta,25-epoxy-3alpha,21alpha-dihydroxy-22beta-tigloyloxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid (3); and 3beta,25-epoxy-3alpha-hydroxy-22beta-(2-methylbutan-1-oyloxy)olean-12-ene-28-oic acid (4)-together with the known triterpenoids lantanilic acid (5), camaric acid (6), lantanolic acid (7), and rehmannic acid (8). The MIC values of 1-8 for growth inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were determined in the radiorespirometric BACTEC system.     

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.     

Squarroside C, a new cycloartene bisdesmoside from Thalictrum squarrosum

Squarroside C (1), a new cycloartane 3,21-bisdesmoside, was isolated from the above-ground parts of Thalictrum squarrosum. The structure of 1 was established as 3-O-[O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-be ta-D-glucopyranosyl-21(S),22(S),23(R),3beta,21alpha,22beta, 30-tetrahydroxy-21,23-epoxycycloart-24-ene by 2D NMR spectroscopy and FABMS.     

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.     

Saponins from the roots of Nylandtia spinosa

From the roots of Nylandtia spinosa, four new triterpene saponins, 3- O-beta- d-glucopyranosylpresenegenin 28- O-beta- d-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha- l-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta- d-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta- d-apiofuranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha- l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta- d-fucopyranosyl ester ( 1), 3- O-beta- d-glucopyranosylpresenegenin 28- O-beta- d-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha- l-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta- d-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha- l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta- d-fucopyranosyl ester ( 2), 3- O-beta- d-glucopyranosylpresenegenin 28- O-beta- d-apiofuranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta- d-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta- d-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha- l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta- d-fucopyranosyl ester ( 3), and 3- O-beta- d-glucopyranosylpresenegenin 28- O-beta- d-apiofuranosyl-(1-->3)-beta- d-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha- l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta- d-fucopyranosyl ester ( 4), were isolated, together with the known tenuifolin. Their structures were established mainly by 2D NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. Compounds 1- 4 were evaluated for cytotoxicity against HCT 116 and HT-29 human colon cancer cells, but were inactive (IC50 > 5 microg/mL).     

Natural products inhibiting Candida albicans secreted aspartic proteases from Lycopodium cernuum

Activity-guided fractionation of an ethanol extract of Lycopodium cernuum for Candida albicans secreted aspartic proteases (SAP) inhibition resulted in the identification of six new (1-6) and four known (7-10) serratene triterpenes, along with the known apigenin-4'-O-(2' ',6' '-di-O-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (11). On the basis of spectroscopic analysis, the structures of 1-10 were established as 3beta,14alpha,15alpha,21beta,29-pentahydroxyserratane-24-oic acid (lycernuic acid C, 1), 3beta,14alpha,15alpha,21beta-tetrahydroxyserratane-24-oic acid (lycernuic acid D, 2), 3beta,14beta,21beta-trihydroxyserratane-24-oic acid (lycernuic acid E, 3), 3beta,21beta,29-trihydroxy-16-oxoserrat-14-en-24-methyl ester (lycernuic ketone A, 4), 3alpha,21beta,29-trihydroxy-16-oxoserrat-14-en-24-methyl ester (lycernuic ketone B, 5), 3alpha,21beta,24-trihydroxyserrat-14-en-16-one (lycernuic ketone C, 6), 3beta,21beta-dihydroxyserrat-14-en-24-oic acid (lycernuic acid A, 7), 3beta,21beta,29-trihydroxyserrat-14-en-24-oic acid (lycernuic acid B, 8), serrat-14-en-3beta,21beta-diol (9), and serrat-14-en-3beta,21alpha-diol (10). The 13C NMR data for the known compounds 7 and 8 are reported for the first time. Compounds 1 and 11 showed inhibitory effects against C. albicans secreted aspartic proteases (SAP) with IC50 of 20 and 8.5 microg/mL, respectively, while the other compounds were inactive.     

Oleanane-type triterpenes from the flowers and roots of Saussurea muliensis

Six new oleanane-type triterpenes (1- 6), along with five known compounds, were isolated from the flowers and roots of Saussurea muliensis. On the basis of spectroscopic methods, with special emphasis on 1D and 2D NMR techniques, the structures of the new compounds were characterized as 3beta,22alpha-dihydroxyolean-12-en-30-oic acid (1), 3alpha-(E)-caffeoyloxyolean-12-en-30-oic acid (2), 3alpha-(E)-coumaroyloxyolean-12-en-30-oic acid (3), 3alpha,22alpha-diacetoxy-20beta,21alpha,29-trihydroxy-30-norolean-12-ene (4), 3alpha,22alpha-diacetoxy-21alpha,29-dihydroxy-20beta-methoxy-30-norolean-12-ene (5), and 3alpha,22alpha-diacetoxy-20beta,21alpha-dihydroxy-29-palmityloxy-30-norolean-12-ene (6). The isolated compounds (1- 6) were not active against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans.     

Saponins of Allium elburzense

A phytochemical investigation of the bulbs of Allium elburzense has been undertaken, leading to the isolation of 13 furostanol and spirostanol saponins, eight of which are new, namely, elburzensosides A1/A2 (1a/1b), B1/B2 (2a/2b), C1/C2 (3a/3b), and D1/D2 (4a/4b). On the basis of spectroscopic analysis, mainly 2D NMR and mass spectrometry, and chemical methods, the structures of the new compounds were determined as furost-2alpha,3beta,5alpha,6beta,22alpha-pentol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1a), furost-2alpha,3beta,5alpha,6beta,22alpha-pentol 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2a), furost-2alpha,3beta,5alpha,22alpha-tetrol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3a), and furost-2alpha,3beta,5alpha,22alpha-tetrol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl] 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4a), and the corresponding epimers at position 22 (1b-4b). Along with these compounds we have isolated the corresponding 22-O-methyl derivatives that we consider extraction artifacts. All the new elburzensosides A1/A2-D1/D2 possess as a common structural feature an OH-5alphathat is rare among furostanol saponins. The reported compounds have been isolated in large amounts, and this makes A. elburzense a prolific producer of saponins of the furostanol and spirostanol types.     

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.