Acylated anthocyanins from red radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Twelve acylated anthocyanins were isolated from the red radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses. Six of these were identified as pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(E)-feruloyl-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside), pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(E)-caffeoyl-2-O-(6-(E)-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside), pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl-2-O-(6-(E)-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside), pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(E)-feruloyl-2-O-(6-(E)-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside), pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl-2-O-(6-(E)-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside), and pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(E)-feruloyl-2-O-(2-(E)-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside).     

Acylated delphinidin 3-rutinoside-5-glucosides in the flowers of Petunia reitzii

Two acylated anthocyanins were isolated from selected individuals of Petunia reitzii, and identified to be delphinidin 3-O-[6-O-(4-O-(4-O-(6-O-(trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-tr ans-p-coumaroyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]- 5-O-[beta-D-glucopyranoside] and delphinidin 3-O-[6-O-(4-O-(4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-p-coumaroyl)-alph a-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-[beta-D-glucopyranoside ]. Nine known anthocyanins were also identified.     

Triacylated cyanidin 3-(3X-glucosylsambubioside)-5-glucosides from the flowers of Malcolmia maritima

Three acylated cyanidin 3-(3(X)-glucosylsambubioside)-5-glucosides (1-3) and one non-acylated cyanidin 3-(3(X)-glucosylsambubioside)-5-glucoside (4) were isolated from the purple-violet or violet flowers and purple stems of Malcolmia maritima (L.) R. Br (the Cruciferae), and their structures were determined by chemical and spectroscopic methods. In the flowers of this plant, pigment 1 was determined to be cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(2-O-(trans-sinapoyl)-3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-6-O-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-[6-O-(malonyl)-(beta-D-glucopyranoside) as a major pigment, and a minor pigment 2 was determined to be the cis-p-coumaroyl isomer of pigment 1. In the stems, pigment 3 was determined to be cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(2-O-(trans-sinapoyl)-3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-6-O-(trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-d-glucopyranoside]-5-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside) as a major anthocyanin, and also a non-acylated anthocyanin, cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside) was determined to be a minor pigment (pigment 4). In this study, it was established that the acylation-enzymes of malonic acid has important roles for the acylation of 5-glucose residues of these anthocyanins in the flower-tissues of M. maritima; however, the similar enzymatic reactions seemed to be inhibited or lacking in the stem-tissues.     

Acylated peonidin glycosides from duskish mutant flowers of Ipomoea nil

Five acylated peonidin glycosides were isolated from the pale gray-purple flowers of a duskish mutant in the Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil or Pharbitis nil) as major pigments, along with a known anthocyanin, Heavenly Blue Anthocyanin (HBA). Three of these were based on peonidin 3-sophoroside and two on peonidin 3-sophoroside-5-glucoside as their deacylanthocyanins; both deacylanthocyanins were acylated with caffeic acid and/or glucosylcaffeic acids. By spectroscopic and chemical methods, the structures of the former three pigments were determined to be 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-(trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside], 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-(3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranoside], and 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-(trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] of peonidin. The structures of the latter two pigments were also confirmed as 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-(trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-(trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside of peonidin. The mutation affecting glycosylation and acylation in anthocyanin biosynthesis of Japanese morning glory was discussed.     

Anthocyanins from the scarlet flowers of Anemone coronaria

Three acylated anthocyanins were isolated from the scarlet flowers of Anemone coronaria 'St. Brigid Red' along with a known pigment, pelargonidin 3-lathyroside. The structures of the acylated pigments were based on a pelargonidin 3-lathyroside skeleton acylated at different positions with malonic acid. The first pigment was identified as pelargonidin 3-O-[2-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-6-O-(malonyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside], the second was pelargonidin 3-O-[2-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-6-O-(methyl-malonyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside], and the third was (6'-O-(pelargonidin 3-O-[2'-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl]))((4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-O-tartatryl)malonate.     

Acylated anthocyanins from the violet-blue flowers of Orychophragonus violaceus

Three acylated cyanidin 3-sambubioside-5-glucosides (1-3) were isolated from the violet-blue flowers of Orychophragonus violaceus, and their structures were determined by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Two of those acylated anthocyanins (1 and 3) were cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(2-O-(4-O-(6-O-(4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-acyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-(6-O-malonyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside)s, in which the acyl groups were p-coumaric acid for 1, and sinapic acid for 3, respectively. The last anthocyanin 2 was cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(2-O-(4-O-(6-O-(4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. In these flowers, the anthocyanins 2 and 3 were present as dominant pigments, and 1 was obtained in rather small amounts.     

7-Polyacylated delphinidin 3,7-diglucosides from the blue flowers of Leschenaultia cv. Violet Lena

The triacyl anthocyanins, Leschenaultia blue anthocyanins 1 and 2 (LBAs 1 and 2) were isolated from the blue flowers of Leschenaultia R. Br. cv. Violet Lena (Goodeniaceae), in which LBA 1 was present as a dominant pigment. The structure of LBA 1 was elucidated to be delphinidin 3-O-[6-O-(malonyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] by application of chemical and spectroscopic methods. Since LAB 2 was isolated in small amount, its structure was tentatively assigned as either delphinidin 3-(malonylglucoside)-7-[(glucosyl-p-coumaroyl)-(glucosylcaffeoyl)-glucoside] or delphinidin 3-(malonyl-glucoside)-7-[(glucosyl-caffeoyl)(glucosyl-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside]. This is the first report of the occurrence of 7-polyacylated anthocyanins in the family of Goodeniaceae, although others have been found in the families of the Ranunculaceae, Campanulaceae, and Compositae. Moreover, delphinidin 3-glycoside-7-di-(glucosylcaffeoyl)-glucoside has been reported only in the flowers of Platycodon grandiflorum (Campanulaceae). From a chemotaxonomical viewpoint, the Goodeniaceae may be closely related to the Campanulaceae.     

Cyanidin 3-[6-(p-coumaroyl)-2-(xylosyl)-glucoside]-5-glucoside and other anthocyanins from fruits of Sambucus canadensis.

From the fruits of Sambucus canadensis four anthocyanin glycosides have been isolated by successive application of an ion-exchange resin, droplet-counter chromatography and gel filtration. The structure of the novel, major (69.8%) pigment, cyanidin 3-O-[6-O-(E-p-coumaroyl-2-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-beta-D- glucopyranoside]-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, was determined by means of chemical degradation, chromatography and spectroscopy, especially homo- and heteronuclear two-dimensional NMR techniques. The other anthocyanins were identified as cyanidin 3-sambubioside-5-glucoside (22.7%), cyanidin 3-sambubioside (2.3%) and cyanidin 3-glucoside (2.1%).     

Bayogenin and asterogenic acid glycosides from Bellis perennis.

Four novel triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the underground parts of Bellis perennis. The structures were elucidated as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosides of 2 beta,3 beta,16 alpha-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid-28-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl(1----2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----6)]-beta-D- glucopyranoside, 2 beta,3 beta,23-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1----2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1----6)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside and 2 beta,3 beta,23-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1----2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----6) ]- beta-D-glucopyranoside and as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-2 beta,3 beta,23-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----6)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside by means of high field 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods without recourse to derivatization or comparison with previous data.     

Triterpenoid saponins and sapogenin lactones from Albizia gummifera

The structures of two new monodesmosidic and bisdesmosidic triterpenoid saponins (1 and 2) and the known compound delta 5-stigmasterol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) as well as two new oleanane type triterpene lactone glycosides 4, 5 and a new sapogenin lactone 6 isolated from the stem bark of Albizia gummifera C.A. Smith (Mimosaceae) have been elucidated as 3-O-?beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6) ]-beta-D- glucopyranosyl?-oleanolic acid (1), beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 3-O-?beta-D-glucopyra-nosyl(1-->2)-[alpha-L-arabinopyrano syl(1-->6)]-beta-D- glucopyranosyl?-oleanolate (2), 3 beta-?O-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6 )] beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy?-machaerinic acid gamma-lactone (4), 3 beta-O-beta-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy]-machaerinic acid gamma-lactone (5), and A-homo-3a-oxa-5 beta-olean-12-en-3-one-28-oic acid (6), respectively. The complete assignment of the 1H and 13C resonances of 1, 2, 4 and 6 and of the peracetate of 5 were achieved by means of 2D-NMR studies.     

The structure of the major anthocyanin in Arabidopsis thaliana

The major anthocyanin in the leaves and stems of Arabidopsis thaliana has been isolated and shown to be cyanidin 3-O-[2-O(2-O-(sinapoyl)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-p-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside] 5-O-[6-O-(malonyl) beta-D-glucopyranoside]. This anthocyanin is a glucosylated version of one of the anthocyanins found in the flowers of the closely related Matthiola incana.     

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.     

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.     

Withanolide glycosides from Dunalia australis.

Four new withanolide glycosides, (20R,22R)-O-(3)-[beta-D- xylopyranosyl(1----3), beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1----4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3 beta,20-dihydroxy-1 alpha-acetoxy-witha-5,24-dienolide, (20R,22R)-O-(3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1----3), beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3 beta,20-dihydroxy-1 alpha-acetoxy-witha-5,24-dienolide, (20R,22R)-O-(3)-[beta-D- glucopyranosyl(1----3), beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- 3 beta,20-dihydroxy-1 alpha-acetoxy-witha-5,24-dienolide and (20R,22R)-O-(3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----3), beta-D- glucopyranosyl(1----4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3 beta, 12 beta,20-trihydroxy- 1 alpha,acetoxy-witha-5,24-dienolide, named dunawithanines C, D, E and F, respectively, were isolated from Dunalia australis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence, especially NMR data of the peracetates.     

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.     

Structural characterization of the lipids of Methanococcus voltae, including a novel N-acetylglucosamine 1-phosphate diether

The lipids of a moderately halophilic methanogen, Methanococcus voltae, accounted for 5.1% of the cell dry weight and consisted of 91% polar lipids and 9% neutral lipids. Twelve polar lipids were detected, three of which, all derivatives of 2,3-di-O-phytanyl-sn-glycerol, were identified as: 2,3-di-O-phytanyl-1-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol, 2,3-di-O-phytanyl-1-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol and a novel NAc-glucosamine 1-phosphate diether, and 2,3-di-O-phytanyl-1-[phosphoryl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D- glucopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol. The neutral lipids consisted mainly of squalenes: squalene, dihydrosqualene, tetrahydrosqualene, hexahydrosqualene, and unidentified squalenes.     

云南马铃薯地方彩色品种“剑川红”和“转心乌”的花色苷主成分分析

彩色马铃薯富含花色苷,是一种天然抗氧化食品.本研究采用高效液相色谱质谱联用技术以引进品种“黑美人”为对照分析了云南马铃薯地方特色品种“剑川红”和“转心乌”花色苷的主要成分.结果表明:“剑川红”色素主要为酰化天竺葵色素类花色苷,其主要成分为天竺葵素3-[ 6-O-( 4-O-E-p-香豆酰-O-α-吡喃鼠李糖苷)-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷]-5-O-β-D-毗喃葡萄糖苷.“转心乌”和“黑美人”所含色素相似,主要为酰化矮牵牛色索、锦葵色素、芍药色素类衍生物,主要成分均为矮牵牛花色素3-[ 6-O-( 4-O-E-p-香豆酰-O-α-吡喃鼠李糖苷)-β-D-毗喃葡萄糖苷]-5-O-β-D-毗喃葡萄糖苷.     

6-Hydroxypelargonidin glycosides in the orange-red flowers of Alstroemeria

Two 6-hydroxypelargonidin glycosides were isolated from the orange-red flowers of Alstroemeria cultivars, and determined to be 6-hydroxypelargonidin 3-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside) and 3-O-[6-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside], respectively, by chemical and spectroscopic methods. In addition, five known anthocyanidin glycosides, 6-hydroxycyanidin 3-malonylglucoside, 6-hydroxycyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-malonylglucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside and pelargonidin 3-rutinoside were identified in the flowers.     

A spirostanol glycoside from Cestrum nocturnum.

A new steroidal saponin named nocturnoside A has been isolated from the methanolic extract of the fresh leaves of Cestrum nocturnum and has been characterized by 13C NMR spectroscopy to be 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1----2)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl((3----1)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)(1----4)-beta-D- galactopyranosyl) (25R)-spirost-5-ene-2 alpha,3 beta-diol.     

Steroidal saponins from the rhizomes of Smilax sieboldii.

Six new steroidal saponins were isolated from the rhizomes of Smilax sieboldii. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and hydrolysis to be 3 beta-hydroxy-(25R)-5 alpha-spirostan-6-one (laxogenin) 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----4)-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1- ---6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, laxogenin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1----6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3 beta,27-dihydroxy-(25S)-5 alpha-spirostan-6-one 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----4)-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1- ---6)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3 beta,22 xi,26-trihydroxy-(25R)-5 alpha-furostan-6-one 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1----6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3 beta,22 xi,26-trihydroxy-(25R)-5 alpha-furostan-6- one 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----4)-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1- ---6)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside and (25R)-5 alpha-spirostan-3 beta-ol (tigogenin) 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----4)-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl- (1----6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterase by the saponins was evaluated.