Steroidal saponins of Asparagus curillus

Three spirostanol and two furostanol glycosides were isolated from a methanol extract of the roots of Asparagus curillus and characterized as 3-O-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl (1→4)- β-d-glucopyranosyl]-(25S)-5β-spirostan-3β-ol, 3-O-[{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)} {α-l-arabinopyranosyl (1→4)}-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-(25S)-5β-spirostan- 3β-ol, 3-O-[{β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→2)} {α-l-arabinopyranosyl (1→4)}-β- d-glucopyranosyl]-(25S)-5β-spirostan-3β-ol, 3-O-[{β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→2)} {α-l-arabinopyranosyl (1→4)}-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-26-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl]- 22α-methoxy-(25S)-5β-furostan-3β, 26-diol and 3-O-[{β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→2)} {α-l-arabinopyranosyl (1→4)}-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-26-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl]- (25S)-5β-furostan-3β, 22α, 26-triol respectively.     

Steroidal saponins of Asparagus adscendens

From the methanol extract of the fruits of Asparagus adscendens sitosterol-β-d-glucoside, two spirostanol glycosides (asparanin A and B) and two furostanol glycosides (asparoside A and B) were isolated and characterized as 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-(25S)-5β-spirostan-3β-ol, 3-O-{[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→2)][α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→4)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl}-(25S)-5β-spirostan-3β-ol,3-O-{[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→2)][α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→4)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl|} -26-O-(β- d-glucopyranosyl)-22α-methoxy-(25S)-5β-furostan-3β,26-diol and 3-O-{[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→2)][α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→4)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl}-26-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)- 25S)-5β-furostan-3β,22α, 26-triol, respectively.     

Configurational studies on red algae carotenoids

The configurations of (6′R)-β,ε-carotene, (3′R,6′R)-β,ε-caroten-3′-ol (α-cryptoxanthin), (3R,3′R,6′R)-β,ε-carotene-3,3′-diol (lutein), (3R)-β,β-caroten-3-ol (β-cryptoxanthin), (3R,3′R)-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol (zeaxanthin) and all-trans (3S,5R,6S,3′R)-5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol (antheraxanthin) were established by CD and ¹H NMR studies. The red algal carotenoids consequently possessed chiralities at each chiral center (C-3, C-5, C-6, C-3′, C-6′), corresponding to the chiralities established for the same carotenoids in higher plants. Two post mortem artifacts from Erythrotrichia carnea were assigned the chiral structures (3S,5R,8R,3′R)-5,8-epoxy-5,8-dihydro-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol [(8R)-mutatoxanthin] and (3S,5R,8S,3′R)-5,8-epoxy-5,8-dihydro-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol [(8S)-mutatoxanthin]. This is the first well documented report of a naturally occurring β,ε-caroten-3′-ol (¹H NMR, CD, chemical derivatization).     

22,23-Epoxides of Sitosterol and Related 7-Oxygenated Δ5-Sterols

(22S,23S)-22,23-Epoxysitosterol, (22R,23R)-22,23-epoxysitosterol, (22S, 23S)-22,23-epoxy-7-ketositosterol, (22R,23R)-22,23-epoxy-7-ketositosterol, (22S, 23S)-22,23-epoxy-7α-hydroxysitosterol, (22S,23S)-22,23-epoxy-7β-hydroxysitosterol, and (22R, 23R)-22,23-epoxy-7β-hydroxysitosterol were synthesized. Their ¹H and ¹³C NMR and the mass spectra of their trimethylsilyl derivatives were studied.     

The role of (25S)-5α-cholestan-3β, 26-diol and (25S)-5α-furostan-3β,26-diol in the biosynthesis of tomatidine and neotigogenin

(25S)-5α-Cholestan-3β,26-diol was incorporated into neotigogenin and tomatidine, and (25S)-5α-furostan-3β,26-diol only in neotigogenin,     

Steroidal saponins of Yucca filamentosa: Yuccoside C and protoyuccoside C

Two new saponins, yuccoside C and protoyuccoside C, have been isolated from the methanolic extract of Yucca filamentosa root and their structures elucidated. Yuccoside C is 3-O-[α-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-(25S)-5β-spirostan-3β-ol, whereas protoyuccoside C is 3-O-[α-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-26-O-[β-d-glucopyranosy]-(25S)-5β-furostan-3β,22α,26-triol.     

Oligofuro- and spiro-stanosides of Asparagus adscendens

Two oligofurostanosides and two spirostanosides, isolated from a methanol extract of Asparagus adscendens (leaves), were characterized as 3-O-[{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 4)} {α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 6)}-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-26-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl]-22α-methoxy-(25S)-furost-5-en-3β,26-diol (Adscendoside A), 3-O-[{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 4)} {α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 6)}-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-26-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl]-(25S)-furost-5-en-3β,22α,26-triol-(Adscendoside B), 3-O-[{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 6)}-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-(25S)-spirostan-5-en-3β-ol (Adscendin A) and 3-O-[{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 4)} {α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1 → 6)}-β-d-glucopyr anosyl]-(25S)-spirostan-5-en-3β-ol (Adscendin B), respectively. Adscendin B and Adscendoside A are the artefacts of Adscendoside B formed through hydrolysis and methanol extraction respectively.bl]     

Beshornin and beshornoside,steroidal saponins of Beshorneria yuccoides

Two new saponins beshornin and beshornoside have been isolated from the methanolic extract of Beshorneria yuccoides leaves and their structures elucidated. Beshornin is 3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl- (1 → 2)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 -+ 4)-P-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d- galactopyranosyl-(25R)-5α-spirostan-3β-ol, whereas beshornoside is 3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)- β-d)-glycopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl- (1 → 4)-β-d-galactopyranosyl 26-O-[β-d]-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5α-furostan-3β,22α,26-triol.     

Zur biogenese des aza-oxa-spiran-systems der steroidalkaloide vom spirosolan-typ in Solanaceen

5α,6-³H₂-Solacongestidine and 5α,6-³ H₂-(22S)-dihydrosolacongestidine administered to Solanum dulcamara as well as 16-³H₂-(22S: 25R)-22,26-epimino- cholest-5-en-3β-ol (25-isodihydroverazine) and 7α-³H-(22S: 25R)-22,26-epimino-cholest-5-en-3β,16β-diol administered to Solanum laciniatum were converted to coladulcidine and solasodine, respectively. These results are discussed in relation to spirosolane alkaloid biosynthesis.     

(22<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>,23<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>)-3β-hydroxy-22,23-epoxy-5α-ergost-8(14)-en-15-one: Improved synthesis and toxicity to MCF-7 cells

The chemical synthesis of (22R,23R)-3β-hydroxy-22,23-epoxy-5α-ergost-8(14)-en-15-one from (22A)-3β-acetoxy-5α-ergosta-7,14,22-triene was improved. The stages of obtaining and isomerization of (22A)-3β-acetoxy-14α15α-epoxy-5α-ergosta-7,22-diene were optimized. The introduction of (22R,23R)-epoxide cycle was carried out by alkaline treatment of intermediate (22S,23R)-3β,23-diacetoxy-22-iodo-5α-ergost-8(14)-en-15-one. In cells of human breast carcinoma MCF-7, (22R,23R)-3β-hydroxy-22,23-epoxy-5α-ergost-8(14)-en-15-one showed a high toxicity (TC₅₀ = 0.4±0.1 μM at 48-h incubation in serum-free medium).     

New steroidal saponins of Agave americana

Two new saponins, agavasaponin E and agavasaponin H have been isolated from the methanolic extract of Agave americana leaves and their structures elucidated. Agavasaponin E is 3-O-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2glc1)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3glc 1)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-galactopyranosyl]-(25R)-5α-spirostan-12-on-3β-ol, whereas agavasaponin H is 3-O-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2 glc 1)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3 glc 1)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-galactopyranosyl]-26-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl]-(25R)-5α-furostan-12-on-3β,22α,26-triol.     

Absolute configuration of heteroxanthin and diadinoxanthin

The absolute configurations of heteroxanthin ((3S,5S,6S,3′R)- 7′,8′-didehydro-5,6-dihydro-β,β-carotene-3,5,3′,6′-tetrol) ex Euglena gracilis and of diadinoxanthin ((3S,5R,6S,3′R)-5,6-epoxy-7′,8′-didehydro-5,6-dihydro-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol) from the same source have been established by chemical reactions, hydrogen bonding studies, ¹H NMR and CD. Two previously unknown carotenoids (artefacts?) from Trollius europaeus, assigned the structures (3S,5S,6S,3′S,5′R,6′R)-6,7-didehydro-5,6,5′,6′-tetrahydro-β,β -carotene-3,5,6,3′,5′-pentol and its 5R epimer, served as useful models.     

Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the aerial parts of Momordica charantia L.

Six new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (1–6), together with two known analogues (7 and 8) were isolated from the aerial parts of Momordica charantia L. The structures of new compounds were identified as cucurbita-6,24-dien-3β,23-diol-19,5β-olide (1), (19R)-5β,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-6,24-dien-3β,23-diol (2), (19S)-5β,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-6,24-dien-3β,23-diol (3), (19R)-5β,19-epoxy-19-isopropoxycucurbita-6,24-dien-3β,23-diol (4), 3β,23-dihydroxy-5-methoxycucurbita-6,24-dien-19-al (5) and (19R)-7β,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-5,24-dien-3β,23-diol (6), by extensive MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic technologies. This is the first report of the isolation of tetracyclic triterpenoids possessing a 7β,19-epoxy system, viz., 6, from M. charantia L.     

Occurrence of some mono-cis-isomers of asymmetric C40-carotenoids

The 9-cis-isomers of antheraxanthin [(3S,5R,6S)-5,6-epoxy-5,6- dihydro-β, β-carotene-3,3′-diol] and lutein epoxide [(3S,5R,6S, 3′R,6′R)-5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-β, ε-carotene-3,3′-diol] were found to occur without their 9′-cis counterparts in the non-photosynthetic tissues of several higher plants. 9-cis-lutein [(3R,3′R,6′R)- β,ε-carotene-3,3′-diol], on the other hand, was observed together with its 9′-cis counterpart in the samples investigated. The qualitative distribution of carotenoids is also reported.     

New withanolides from a cross of a South African chemotype by chemotype II (Israel) in Withania somnifera

Three new withanolides have been isolated from hybrids obtained by crossing a chemotype of Withania somnifera received from South Africa and chemotype II originating in Israel. The compounds have been characterized as 4β,20α-dihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20R,22R-witha-24-enolide, 20α-hydroxy-1,4-dioxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20R,22R-witha-2,24-dienolide, and 20α-hydroxy-1,4-dioxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20R,22R-witha-2-enolide. The major steroid of the plant is withanolide D, while the other known withanolides present are 4β,20α-dihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20R,22R,24S,25R-witha-2-enolide and withaferin A. The structures assigned to the new compounds are based on spectral evidence, analysis of their fragmentation under electron impact, and on chemical correlation with known compounds. The formation of these withanolides in this new hybrid is discussed briefly.     

Melongosides n,o and p: steroidal saponins from seeds of solanum melongena

Three new saponins, melongosides N, O and P, have been isolated from the methanolic extract of seeds of Solanum melongena and their structures elucidated. Melongoside N is 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosy l-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-26-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-(25R)-5α-furostan-3β,22 α,26-triol, whereas melongoside O is 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)β-D-glucopyranosyl]- 26-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-(25R)-furost-5-en-3β,22α,26-triol and melongoside P is 3-O- [β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-26-O- (β-D-glucopyranosyl)-(25 R)-5α-furostan-3β,22α,26-triol.     

Revised structures of daturalactone and 12-oxowithanolide

Recently Dhar et al. reported the isolation of two new steroidal lactones from the leaves of Datura quercifolia HBK and formulated them as 5α,12α,17α-trihydroxy-1-oxo-6α, 7α-epoxy-22 S-witha-2,24-dienolide and 5α,17α-dihydroxy-1, 12-dioxo-6α,7α-epoxy-22 S-witha-2,24-dienolide on the basis of UV, IR, NMR and MS studies. Further detailed chemical and spectral studies have led to revised structures, namely 5α, 12α-dihydroxy-1-oxo-6α,7α: 24α, 25α-diepoxy-20 S, 22 R-with-2-enolide and 5α-hydroxy-1, 12-dioxo-6α, 7α: 24α, 25α-diepoxy-20 S, 22 R-with-2-enolide, respectively, for the above two compounds.     

The withanolides of Withania somnifera chemotypes I and II

Seven steroidal lactones of the withanolide series have been isolated as minor constituents of the leaves of Withania somnifera Dun. (Solanaceae) chemotype I, along with the major component withaferin A. Structures have been assigned to the new compounds: withanolide N (17α,27-dihydroxy-1-oxo-20R,22R-witha-2,5,14,24-tetraenolide) (6a) and withanolide O (4β,17α-dihydroxy-1-oxo-20R,22R-witha-2,5,8(14),24-tetraenolide) (7a). Similarly the leaves of W. somnifera chemotype II afforded three new withanolides along with the major component withanolide D (9a) and trace amounts of withanolide G (10). The new compounds are: 27-hydroxywithanolide D(4β,20α,27-trihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20R,22R-witha-2,24-dienolide) (11a), 14α-hydroxywithanolide D (4β,14α,20α-trihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20R,22R-witha-2,24-dienolide) (12a) and 17α-hydroxywithanolide D (4β,17β,20α-trihydroxy-1-oxo-5β,6β-epoxy-20S,22R-witha-2,24-dienolide) (13a). Whereas all the withanolides of chemotype I are unsubstituted at C-20 (20α-H), those of chemotype II possess an OH at this position (20α-OH).     

Steroidal saponins from Tribulus terrestris

Five new steroidal saponins were isolated from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris. Their structures were fully established by spectroscopic and chemical analysis as (23S,25S)-5α-spirostane-24-one-3β,23-diol-3-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-d-galactopyranoside} (1), (24S,25S)-5α-spirostane-3β,24-diol-3-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-d-galactopyranoside} (2), 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5α-furostan-2α,3β,22α,26-tetraol-3-O-{β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-galactopyranoside} (3), 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5α-furostan-20(22)-en-2α,3β,26-triol-3-O-{β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-galactopyranoside} (4), and 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5α-furostan-12-one-22-methoxy-3β,26-diol-3-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)]-β-d-galactopyranoside} (5). The isolated compounds were evaluated for cytostatic activity against HL-60 cells.     

Saponins in aerial parts of Helleborus viridis L.

In the search of natural compounds inhibiting methane production in ruminants three novel steroidal saponins have been isolated from the aerial parts of Helleborus viridis L. Their structures have been established based on spectral analyses as: (25R)-26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-5β-furostan-3β,22α,26-triol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, (25R)-26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-5α-furostan-3β,22α,26-triol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and (25R)-26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-furost-5-ene-1β,3β,22α,26-tetraol 1-O-{α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-6-O-acetoxy-β-d-glucopyranoside}.