Steroidal saponins from the fruits of Asparagus racemosus

Three steroidal saponins, racemosides A (1), B (2) and C (3), were isolated from the methanolic extract of the fruits of Asparagus racemosus, and characterized as (25S)-5beta-spirostan-3beta-ol-3-O-{beta-D- glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside}, (25S)-5beta-spirostan-3beta-ol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (25S)-5beta-spirostan-3beta-ol-3-O-{alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside}, respectively, by spectrometric analysis and some chemical strategies.     

Triterpenoid saponins from Fagonia indica.

Two new triterpenoid saponins, 3-O-{[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1- ->3)]- alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl}-ursolic acid-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (indicasaponin A), 3-O-{[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1- ->3)]- alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl}-oleanolic acid-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (indicasaponin B) and two known triterpenoid saponins, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-ur solic acid-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-olean olic acid-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester have been isolated from Fagonia indica. The structures were determined primarily by NMR spectroscopy. The assignment of NMR signals was performed by means of 1H-1H COSY, NOESY, ROESY, TOCSY, HMQC and HMBC experiments.     

Spirostanol saponins of Allium porrum L.

An investigation of the extracts from bulbs of Allium porrum L. has led to the isolation of four spirostanol saponins. Two of them are new compounds and have been identified as: (25R)-5 alpha-spirostan-3 beta, 6 beta-diol 3-O-{O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O- beta -D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside} (3) and (25R)-5 alpha-spirostan-3 beta,6 beta-diol 3-O-{O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O- [beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D- galactopyranoside} (4). The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antifungal activity.     

A furostanol glycoside from rhizomes of Costus spicatus.

A new furostanol glycoside was isolated from the rhizomes of Costus spicatus. Its structure was established as (3 beta,22 alpha,25R)-26-(beta -D-glucopyranosyloxy)-22-methoxyfurost-5-en-3-yl O-D-apio-beta-D-furanosyl-(1-->2)-O-[6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosy l-(1-->4)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside. The structural identification was performed using detailed analysis of 1H and 13C NMR spectra including 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques (COSY, HETCOR and COLOC) and chemical conversions.     

Synthesis of two bidesmosidic ursolic acid saponins bearing a 2,3-branched trisaccharide residue

The focus of this work was on the synthesis of two bidesmosidic ursolic acid saponins bearing a 2,3-branched trisaccharide residue. Therefore, 3-O-{[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl}ursolic acid-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester 1 was concisely synthesized by two strategies in 22% and 41% overall yield, respectively, and another congener 3-O-{[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl}ursolic acid-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester 2 was also efficiently prepared in 81% overall yield. The (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR signals of saponin 2 are all consistent with those reported for the natural product.     

Saponins and acylated saponins from Dizygotheca kerchoveana

Four new triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the leaves and stem of branches of Dizygotheca kerchoveana along with seven known ones. The new saponins were respectively characterized as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[beta-D-3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester and 3-O-[beta-d-3-O-cis-p-coumaroyl-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR experiments, FAB-MS as well as chemical means.     

Triterpenoid saponins from the stem bark of Elattostachys apetala

Six new triterpenoid saponins have been isolated from the stem bark of Elattostachys apetala together with four known triterpenoid saponins. Three of these new compounds are glycosides of a newly described genin, 29-hydroxyhederagenin (1). On the basis of spectral evidence, the structures of the new saponins were concluded to be alpha-hederin 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (2), sapindoside B 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (3), 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl astrantiasaponin VII (4), 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-29-hydroxyhederagenin (5), 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-29-hydroxyhederagenin (6), and 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-gluco pyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-29-hydroxyhederagenin (7).     

Nuatigenin-type steroidal saponins from Veronica fuhsii and V. muldtfida

A new nuatigenin-type steroidal saponin, multifidoside (2), was isolated from the aerial parts of Veronica fuhsii and V multifida and its structure was identified as 3-O-([alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2glu)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4rha)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4glu)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]nuatigenin 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Additionally, a known steroidal saponoside, aculeatiside A (1), from V. fuhsii, a phenylethanoid glycoside, verpectoside A (3), and a flavon glycoside, isoscutellarein 7-O-(2"-O-6"-O-acetyl-beta-D-allopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside) (4) from V. multifida were isolated.     

Five saponins from the root bark of Aralia elata

Five saponins, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (aralia-saponin V), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-echinocystic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (aralia-saponin VI), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-hederagenin 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (aralia-saponin VII), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-caulophyllogenin 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (aralia-saponin VIII), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-hederagenin 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (aralia-saponin IX), were isolated from the root bark of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem., together with four known compounds. Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods.     

Steroidal saponins from the bulbs of Camassia cusickii.

Six new steroidal saponins have been isolated from the fresh bulbs of Camassia cusickii. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and some chemical transformations to be (25R)-5 alpha-spirostan-3 beta,6 alpha-diol (chlorogenin) 6-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, chlorogenin 6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, chlorogenin 6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, chlorogenin 6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)]-beta- D-glucopyranoside, (25R)-6 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-spirostan-3-one 6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1----3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (25R)-3,3-dimethoxy-5 alpha-spirostan-6 alpha-ol 6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The saponins isolated were shown to contribute to the bitter taste of the bulbs.     

Triterpenoid saponins from Meryta lanceolata

Four new oleanane-type saponins and a known one were isolated from the leaves and stems of Meryta lanceolata. The new saponins were characterised by spectroscopic means and chemical hydrolysis as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-6-O-acetyl glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester and 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]echinocystic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester. The NMR assignments were made by means of HOHAHA, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOE difference studies.     

Glucuronide triterpene saponins from Bersama engleriana

Five 3-O-glucuronide triterpene saponins (1-5) were isolated from the stem bark of Bersama engleriana Gurke along with two known saponins, polyscias saponin C and aralia saponin 15, and one major C-glycoside xanthone, mangiferin. The structures of the saponins were established mainly by means of spectroscopic methods (one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy as well as FAB-, HRESI-mass spectrometry) as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-betulinic acid (1), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid (2), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid (3), 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid (4), and 3-O-[beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-d-xylopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid (5).     

Jatropham derivatives and steroidal saponins from the bulbs of Lilium hansonii.

Two new jatropham derivatives and three new steroidal saponins were isolated from the fresh bulbs of Lilium hansonii, along with previously known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated, on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical evidence, and by comparing them with those of known compounds, as (-)-5-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-pyrrolin-2-one (jatropham) 5-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, (2S*,4R*)-1-(3-methyl-2-oxo-3-pyrrolinyl)-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-pyrr olidinecarboxyli c acid, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5 alpha-furostan-3 beta,22 zeta-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----4)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside, (25R)-5 alpha-spirostan-3 beta,12 alpha-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----4)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside and (25R)-spirost-5-en-3 beta,12 alpha-diol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----4)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively. The stereostructure of jatropham dimer, the plain structure of which was presented previously, was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The inhibitory activity on cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase of the steroidal saponins was evaluated.     

Four major saponins from Solidago canadensis.

Four new bisdesmosidic saponins each containing eight carbohydrate units were isolated from Solidago canadensis. GC, GC-MS, FABMS analysis and mainly the use of 2D NMR techniques allowed their identification as bayogeninglycosides (canadensissaponins 1-4) 3-O- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl-(1----3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1----4)-[beta-D- xylopyranosyl-(1----3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-[beta-D- apio-D-furanosyl-(1----3)]-beta-D-6-deoxyglucopyranosyl- (1----]-bayogenin; -(1----2)-[beta-D-apio-D-furanosyl-(1----3)]-ara- binopyranosyl-(1----]-bayogenin; -[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----3)]-beta- D-6-deoxyglucopyranosyl-(1----]-bayogenin and - [alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1----3)]-arabinopyranosyl-(1----]-bayogenin.     

Furostanol saponins and quercetin glycosides from the leaves of Helleborus viridis L

Phytochemical analysis of the polar extracts of the leaves of Helleborus viridis (Ranunculaceae) resulted in the isolation of two new furostanol saponins (25R)-26-[(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)oxy]-22alpha-methoxyfurost-5-en-3beta-yl O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-[6-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and (25R)-26-[(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)oxy]-22alpha-methoxyfurost-5-en-3beta-yl O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) and three new quercetin glycosides, quercetin 3-O-(2-E-caffeoyl)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside-7-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (3), quercetin 3-O-(2-E-caffeoyl)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (4), and quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (5). The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis, including 2D NMR data and mass spectrometry.     

Titerpenoid saponins from Atriplex semibaccata

Four new triterpenoid saponins, 3-O-([beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-11alpha-methoxy-23-hydroxylongispinogenin, 3-O-([beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-11alpha-methoxy-23,29-dihydroxylongispinogenin, 3-O-([beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-29-hydroxysaikogenin F and 3-O-([beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-saikogenin F, have been isolated from Atriplex semibaccata. The structures were determined primarily by NMR spectroscopy. The assignment of NMR signals was performed by means of 1H-1H COSY, ROESY, HMQC and HMBC experiments.     

Triterpenoid saponins from Ardisia mamillata

Two saponins were isolated from the roots of Ardisia mamillata HANCE. Their structures were established on the basis of MALDI-TOFMS, 1H, 13C NMR and 2D NMR (COSY, HOHAHA, HETCOR, HMBC and ROESY) spectra, and on chemical evidence, to be ardisimamilloside A, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-3beta, 16alpha,28alpha-trihydroxy-13beta,28-epoxy-oleanan+ ++-30-al; and ardisimamilloside B, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-( 1 --> 2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-beta3-hydroxy-13beta,28- epoxy-oleanan-16-oxo-30-al.     

Regio- and enantioselective oxidation of thiaoleic acids by an algal delta 12-desaturase

Five new spirostanol saponins and a new furostanol saponin were isolated from the fresh bulbs of Lilium candidum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic techniques and the result of acid hydrolysis. The isolated saponins contained a branched triglycoside moiety assigned as O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta - D-glucopyranose with the formation of an O-glycosidic linkage to C-3 of the aglycone as the common structural feature. The inhibitory activity of the saponins on Na+/K+ ATPase was evaluated.     

Triterpenoid saponins from Oreopanax guatemalensis

Seven oleanane-type saponins were isolated from the leaves and stems of Oreopanax guatemalensis, together with ten known saponins of lupane and oleanane types. The new saponins were respectively characterized as 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl echinocystic acid 28-O-[alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 3beta-hydroxy olean-11,13(18)-dien-28-oic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta- D-glucopyranosyl]ester, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]3beta-hydroxy olean-11,13(18)-dien-28-oic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]3beta, 23 dihydroxy olean-18-en-28-oic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-6-O-acetyl glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]ester, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl] hederagenin 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2 )-]beta-D-glucopyranosyl]ester, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]hederagenin 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-]beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester and 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl] hederagenin 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester. The structures were determined by spectral analyses. The NMR assignments were made by means of HOHAHA, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC spectra and NOE difference studies.     

Steroidal glycosides from the bulbs of Lilium dauricum.

The bulbs of Lilium dauricum yielded 11 compounds, including six new steroidal glycosides. The structures have been determined by spectral analysis and hydrolysis to be (25R,26R)-26-methoxyspirost-5-en-3 beta-ol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-( 1----3)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside, (25R,26R)-26-methoxyspirost-5-en-3 beta-ol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----4)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside, (25R)-spirost-5-en-3 beta-ol (diosgenin) 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl- (1----3)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, (25R)-3 beta,17 alpha-dihydroxy-5 alpha-spirostan-6-one 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, (25R)-3 beta, 17 alpha-dihydroxy-5 alpha-spirostan-6-one 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-O-[alpha-L- arabinopyranosyl-(1----3)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (20R,22R)-3 beta,20,22-trihydroxy-5 alpha-cholestan-6-one (tenuifoliol) 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The absolute configurations of C-20 and C-22 of tenuifoliol were further confirmed by detailed analysis of the NOE difference spectrum of the corresponding isopropylidene derivative. Several known compounds were also isolated and identified.