New steroidal glycosides from the rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides.

Two new steroidal saponins, timosaponin X (1) and timosaponin Y (2), and one new pregnane glycoside, timopregnane B (3), were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides, as well as three known compounds 25S-timosaponin BII (4), protodesgalactotigonin (5), and timosaponin BII-a (6) isolated from this plant for the first time. By the detailed analysis of 1D, 2D NMR, MS spectra, and chemical evidences, the structures of new compounds were elucidated as 26-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5ß-22-methoxy-furost-3ß,26-diol 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranoside (1), 5ß-pseudo-spirost-3ß,15α,23α-triol 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-d-galactopyranoside (2), (5ß,17α)-Δ((16)(17))-20-one-pregn-2ß,3ß-diol 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-d-galactopyranoside (3).

New oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins isolated from the seeds of Celosia argentea.

Three new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins named celosins H, I, and J were isolated from the seeds of Celosia argentea L. Their structures were characterized as 3-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-polygalagenin 28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3-O-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-medicagenic acid 28-O-ß-D-xylcopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-D-fucopyranosyl ester, and 3-O-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-medicagenic acid 28-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-[ß-D-xylcopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-ß-D-fucopyranosyl ester by NMR, MS, and chemical evidences, respectively. In our opinion, celosins H-J could be used as chemical markers for the quality control of C. argentea seeds.

Analytical and semipreparative separation of 25 (R/S)-spirostanol saponin diastereomers using supercritical fluid chromatography.

Spirostanol saponins are a class of steroidal saponins with many pharmacological activities. The structural complexity of the spirostanol saponins presents a daunting challenge in separating their 25 R/S diastereomers. Using two CHIRALPAK IC columns coupled in series, six 25 (R/S)-spirostanol saponin diastereomers from the Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed were successfully separated using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) for the first time. In addition, three 25 (R/S)-spirostanol saponin diastereomers were isolated into their respective individual isomers. The structures of the isolated isomers were unambiguously confirmed by NMR analysis. The SFC method development strategy and its associated underlying principles presented in this paper are generally applicable. SFC is a viable addition to the natural product research toolbox, especially for stereoselective analysis and purification.

Two new furostanol saponins from Aspidistra typica.

Two new furostanol saponins (1 and 2), along with one known saponin (3), were obtained from the rhizomes of Aspidistra typica Baill. Their structures were elucidated as (25R)-26-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-furost-5-ene-12-one-3ß,22α,26-triol-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)]-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-d-galactopyranoside (1, typaspidoside A), (25S)-26-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-furost-5-ene-12-one-3ß,22α,26-triol-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 3)]-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-d-galactopyranoside (2, 25S-typaspidoside A), and timosaponin H1 (3), based on the integrative spectroscopic analysis of 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments, ESI-MS data and chemical evidence. The investigation on the chemical components of this plant is reported for the first time.

Two novel furostanol saponins from the tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus.

Phytochemical investigation of the fresh tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus led to the isolation of two new furostanol saponins (1 and 2) together with two known steroidal saponins (3 and 4). Comprehensive spectroscopic analysis allowed the chemical structures of two new compounds to be elucidated as (25R)-26-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-5-ene-furost-1ß,3ß,22α,26-tetraol-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-ß-d-glucopyranoside (1, ophiopogonin P) and (25R)-26-O-[ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-5-ene-furost-1ß,3ß,22α,26-tetraol-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-[ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)]-ß-d-glucopyranoside (2, ophiopogonin Q). Furostanol saponins with the disaccharide chain linked at C-26 hydroxy group of the aglycone have been rarely reported from natural sources.

Polyhydroxylated steroidal glycosides from Paris polyphylla.

Three new steroidal saponins, parisyunnanosides G-I (1-3), one new C(21) steroidal glycoside, parisyunnanoside J (4), and three known compounds, padelaoside B (5), pinnatasterone (6), and 20-hydroxyecdyson (7), were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis. Compounds 1 and 3 have unique trisdesmoside structures that include a C-21 ß-d-galactopyranose moiety. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human CCRF leukemia cells.

Rapid isolation of new furostanol saponins from fenugreek seeds based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry.

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry method was established to rapidly identify and guide the isolation of target saponins from fenugreek seeds. Based on the online screening performance, totally forty-six furostanol saponins were detected and elucidated. Among them, twenty compounds were predicted to be new. To rapidly obtain new furostanol saponins from these seeds, a further phytochemical study was carried out under the guidance of the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Finally, six new furostanol saponins, named as trigoneosides XIV (1), XV (2), XVI (3), XVIIa (4), XVIIb (5), and XIV (6), together with one known furostanol saponin, parvifloside (7), were rapidly obtained, and their definitive structures were determined by NMR and chemical evidence.

Steroidal glycosides from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and their antiplatelet aggregation activity.

Five new steroidal glycosides, timosaponin J ( 1), timosaponin K ( 2), (25 S)-karatavioside C ( 5), timosaponin L ( 6), and (25 S)-officinalisnin-I ( 8), together with eight known steroidal saponins, timosaponin E (1) ( 3), purpureagitosid ( 4), timosaponin BII ( 7), timosaponin B III ( 9), anemarrhenasaponin I ( 10), anemarrhenasaponin III ( 11), anemarrhenasaponin A (2) ( 12), and timosaponin A III ( 13), were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence. The aglycones of compounds 1 and 2 are new aglycones. Compounds 1- 13 were evaluated for their platelet aggregation activities, and compound 13 exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation.

Spirostanol saponins derivated from the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum by ß-glucosidase hydrolysis and their inhibitory effects on rat platelet aggregation.

Nine spirostanol saponins (1-9) and seven mixtures of 25 R and 25 S spirostanol saponin isomers (10-16) were obtained from the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum after enzymatic hydrolysis of the furostanol saponin fraction by ß-glucosidase. Their structures were determined by NMR and MS spectroscopy. Among them, 1- 4, 6, 8, and 9 were new compounds and five, 11B, 12A, 13B, 14A, and 14B, were new structures observed from seven mixtures. In addition, the inhibitory effects of all saponins on rat platelet aggregation were evaluated.

Structure elucidation and complete NMR spectral assignments of glucosylated saponins of cantalasaponin I.

Five new glucosylated steroidal glycosides, cantalasaponin I-B(1) (1), I-B(2) (2), I-B(3) (3), I-B(4) (4) and I-B(5) (5), were isolated and purified from the transformed product of the cantalasaponin I by using Toruzyme 3.0 l as biocatalyst. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, one-dimensional ((1) H and (13) C NMR) and two-dimensional [COSY, heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (HSQC), HMBC and HSQC-TOCSY] NMR spectral analyses and chemical evidence.

[Identification of chemical constituents in qiliqiangxin capsule by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS(E)].

In order to clarify the chemical constituents in Qiliqiangxin capsule, a rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography/orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS(E)) method was established. Forty peaks were identified on line using this method. The herbal sources of these peaks were assigned. The results implied that triterpenoid saponins, flavonoid glycosides, C21-steroids and phenolic acids were included in the main components of Qiliqiangxin capsule. The method is simple and rapid for elucidation of the constituents of Qiliqiangxin capsule and the results are useful for the quality control of Qiliqiangxin capsule.

Saponins from the processed rhizomes of Polygonatum kingianum.

Two new spirostanol saponins, named kingianoside H (1) and kingianoside I (2), were isolated from the processed rhizomes of Polygonatum kingianum, along with a known triterpenoid saponin ginsenoside-Rc (3), four known spirostanol saponins Tg (4), (5), polygonatoside C(1) (6) and ophiopogonin C' (7). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques and chemical methods. Compounds 3 and 5 were first reported from the genus Polygonatum. Compounds 4, 6 and 7 are reported for the first time from the processed Polygonatum kingianum.

1H and 13C NMR assignments for four triterpenoid saponins from Albizziae cortex.

Four triterpenoid saponins were isolated from Albizziae cortex, and a complete assignment of their (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra was carried out using 1D and 2D NMR ((1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and HSQC-TOCSY) methods. Their (1)H NMR assignments were reported for the first time and some of their (13)C NMR spectral data reported in literature were corrected.

[Two new furostanol saponins from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides].

AIM: To investigate the chemical constituents of the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge. METHODS: The compounds were separated by means of solvent extraction, chromatography on absorbent resin SP825 and silica gel C18 repeatedly, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical methods and spectral analyses (FAB-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY). RESULTS: Six steroidal saponins were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge. They were identified as (25S)-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-hydroxy-5beta-furostane-2beta, 3beta, 26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (timosaponin N, 1), timosaponin E1 (2), (25S)-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-methoxy-5beta-furostane-2beta, 3beta, 26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (timosaponin O, 3) , timosaponin E2 (4), (25R) -26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-hydroxy-5alpha-furostane-2alpha, 3beta, 26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-[beta-D-xylpyranosyl-(1 --> 3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (purpureagitosid, 5) and marcogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (6). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 and compound 3 are new compounds, and compound 5 was isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge for the first time.

Selective glycosylation of steroidal saponins by Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus.

In this study seven strains of the genus Arthrobacter were screened by biotransformation to discover glycosylating patterns on steroid saponins. A strain of Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus (CPCC 203516) was found to have the ability of fructosylation. Crude enzyme of the strain was extracted for the further study of conversion characteristics and patterns. Sucrose was used as a non-activated sugar donor, and fifteen steroidal saponins were involved. Nine furostan saponins of the substrates were converted, and ten products were isolated and identified. Based on the HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectral data, one fructosyl was added to furostan saponins at C6-OH of 26-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl by A. nitroguajacolicus for all nine products. One product was distinguished by an additional fructosyl at the position of C6-OH on the first added fructosyl. Spirostan saponins of the substrates could not be converted. Steroidal saponins embracing a fructosyl are quite rare according to other reports based on similar studies. This study successfully converted furostan saponins into new compounds.

Steroidal saponins obtained by biotransformation of total furostanol glycosides from Dioscorea zingiberensis with Absidia coerulea.

Five new steroidal saponins (1-5) were isolated from the fermentation broth of total furostanol glycosides from tubers of Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright incubated with a fungal, Absidia coerulea AS 3.3389, along with known saponins, zingiberensis new saponin (6), deltonin (7), prosapogenin A of dioscin (8), and protobioside (9), and their structures were established by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as well as by comparison with previously reported spectral data in the literatures. The induced effects in vitro on rat platelet aggregation of all compounds were evaluated.

New polyoxypregnane glycosides from the roots of Marsdenia tenacissima.

For the first time, a systematic phytochemical study was performed on the roots of Marsdenia tenacissima. Finally, sixteen new polyoxypregnane glycosides, marstenacissides A1-A7 (1-7) and marstenacissides B1-B9 (8-16), were isolated from M. tenacissima roots. The structures of these new compounds were established by various spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Molecular mechanism of damage and repair of mouse thymus lymphocytes induced by radiation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of apoptosis in radiation-induced mouse thymus lymphocyte damage and repair and provide the basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of radiation-induced lymphocyte damage and repair as well as the prevention and treatment of acute radiation sickness. METHODS: We studied the dynamic changes of apoptosis of mouse thymus lymphocytes and the expression of bax and bcl-2 gene products after 2, 4, 6 and 8 Gy of whole body gamma-irradiation using in situ terminal labeling, DNA electrophoresis and immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: At the early stage after irradiation, the percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes increased rapidly in accordance with the increasing of radiation doses, while the counts of the thymus and peripheral lymphocytes decreased sharply, showing an opposite change to lymphocyte apoptosis. After 6 Gy gamma-irradiation, typical morphological characteristics of thymus apoptotic lymphocytes in early, middle and late stages were found by transmission electron microscopy. The thymus lymphocytes displayed characteristic DNA ladders 4 hr and 8 hr after 2-6 Gy gamma-irradiation,using DNA gel electrophoresis techniques. Abnormal expression of bcl-2 and bax gene products were shown in irradiated lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis plays an important role in the process of radiation-induced mouse thymus lymphocyte damage and repair. Bcl-2 and Bax proteins may regulate the process of lymphocyte apoptosis.

Steroidal saponins from Tribulus terrestris.

Sixteen steroidal saponins, including seven previously unreported compounds, were isolated from Tribulus terrestris. The structures of the saponins were established using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and chemical methods. They were identified as: 26-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-en-2α,3ß,22α,26-tetrol-12-one (terrestrinin C), 26-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-en-22α,26-diol-3,12-dione (terrestrinin D), 26-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-furost-4-en-22α,26-diol-3,6,12-trione (terrestrinin E), 26-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5α-furostan-3ß,22α,26-triol-12-one (terrestrinin F), 26-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-en-12ß,22α,26-triol-3-one (terrestrinin G), 26-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-en-22α,26-diol-3,12-dione (terrestrinin H), and 24-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5α-spirostan-3ß,24ß-diol-12-one-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-d-galactopyranoside (terrestrinin I). The isolated compounds were evaluated for their platelet aggregation activities. Three of the known saponins exhibited strong effects on the induction of platelet aggregation.

New kaurene diterpenoid glycosides from fenugreek seeds.

Two new kaurene diterpenoid glycosides, named Graecumoside A (1) and B (2), were isolated from fenugreek seeds, along with three known flavonoid-C-glycosides, isoorientin (3), isovitexin (4) and vitexin (5). By combined analyses of 1D- and 2D-NMR, and MS spectroscopy, the structures of two new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-ß- D-glucopyranosyl kaur-5, 16-dien-3ß, 6, 13ß-trihydroxy-7-oxo-18-oic acid methyl ester and 3-O-ß-neohesperidosyl kaur-5, 16-dien-3ß, 6, 13ß-trihydroxy-7-oxo-18-oic acid methyl ester, respectively. The kaurene diterpenoid glycosides were first isolated and identified from fenugreek seeds.