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.