A gamma-pyronyl-triterpenoid saponin from Pisum sativum.

A new triterpenoid saponin was isolated from Pisum sativum and characterized as 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1----2)-be ta- D-glucuronopyranosyl(1----)]-22-O-[3'-hydroxy-2'-methyl-5',6'-dihy dro-4'- pyrone(6'----)]-3 beta, 22 beta, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-ene. The name chromosaponin I is proposed. Chromosaponin I yielded soyasaponin I, known as phytochrome inhibitor, during extraction, but the latter was not found in the free form in this plant.     

Structures of minor ether lipids isolated from the aceticlastic methanogen, Methanothrix concilii GP6

Structures were determined for two phospholipids and three glycolipids purified from chloroform-methanol extracts of Methanothrix concilii GP6. Together they accounted for 14% of the total lipid and were based on a C20,20-diether core structure consisting of either 2,3-di-O-phytanyl-sn-glycerol or its 3'-hydroxy analog, namely, 2-O-[3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecyl]-3-O-[3'- hydroxy-3',7',11',15'-tetramethylhexadecyl]-sn-glycerol. These two core lipids formed phosphodiester bonds to ethanolamine and glycosidic bonds to beta-D-galactopyranose. A third glycolipid consisted of the triglycosyl head group beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1----6)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)]-beta-D - galactopyranose in glycosidic linkage to the 3'-hydroxydiether core lipid.     

Synthesis of a spacer-containing repeating unit of the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 23F.

The synthesis is reported of 3-aminopropyl 4-O-(4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-beta-D- galactopyranosyl)-beta-L-rhamnopyranoside 3'-(glycer-2-yl sodium phosphate) (25 beta), which represents the repeating unit of the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 23F (American type 23) [(----4)-beta-D-Glcp-(1----4)-[Glycerol-(2-P----3)] [alpha-L- Rhap-(1----2)]-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-beta-L-Rhap-(1----)n). 2,4,6-Tri-O-acetyl-3-O-allyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate (5) was coupled with ethyl 2,3-di-O-benzyl-1-thio-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (6). Deacetylation of the resulting disaccharide derivative, followed by benzylidenation, and condensation with 2,3,4-trio-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate (10) afforded ethyl 4-O-[3-O-allyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-2-O-(2,3,4-trio-O-acetyl- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl]-2,3-di-O-benzyl-1-thio - alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (11). Deacetylation of 11, followed by benzylation, selective benzylidene ring-opening, and coupling with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate (15) gave ethyl 4-O-[3-O-allyl-6-O-benzyl-4-O-(2,3,4,6- tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-O-(2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl]-2,3-di-O-benzyl-1-thio-alpha-L - rhamnopyranoside (16). Deacetylation of 16 followed by benzylation, deallylation, and acetylation yielded ethyl 4-O-[3-O-acetyl-6-O-benzyl-4-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-beta-D-glucopy ran osyl)- 2-O-(2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl ]-2,3- di-O-benzyl-1-thio-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (20). The glycosyl bromide derived from 20, when coupled with 3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-1-propanol, gave the beta-glycoside (21 beta) as the major product. Deacetylation of 21 beta followed by condensation with 1,3-di-O-benzylglycerol 2-(triethylammonium phosphonate) (27), oxidation, and deprotection, afforded 25 beta.     

Diterpenes and sesquiterpenes from the bark of Taxus yunnanensis

Two taxane-type diterpenes, 10beta-acetoxy-2alpha,5alpha,7beta,9alpha-tetrahydroxytaxa-4(20),11-dien-13-one and 2alpha-acetoxy-9alpha-benzoyloxy-5alpha,7beta,10beta,15-tetrahydroxy-11(15-->1)- abeotaxa-4(20),11-dien-13-one, and two new drimane-type sesquiterpenes, 1beta-acetoxy-7-drimen-11alpha-ol-12,11-lactone and 1beta-acetoxy-11,12-epoxy-6-drimen-8alpha,11alpha-diol, were isolated from the bark of Taxus yunnanensis together with 35 known taxane-type diterpenes, a known drimane-type sesquiterpene and a known flavanone.     

Triterpene saponins from Verbascum songaricum.

Songarosaponin A, B and C isolated from the aerial parts of Verbascum songaricum were shown to be 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)]-[b eta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl]-olea-11,13-die ne-3 beta-23,28-triol, 3-0-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)]-[b eta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----2)]-beta-D-fucopyranosyl]-olea-1 1-ene-3 beta-13,23,28-tetrol and 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----4)]-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)]-[b eta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----2)]-beta-D-fucopyranosyl]-13 beta,28-epoxyolea-11-ene-3 beta,23-diol.     

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.     

Lanceocrepidiasides A-F, glucosides of guaiane-type sesquiterpene from Crepidiastrum lanceolatum

From the aerial parts of Crepidiastrum lanceolatum, six guaiane-type sesquiterpene glucosides, lanceocripidiasides A-F were isolated together with five known sesquiterpene glucosides, ixerin Y, crepidialanceosides A and B, and youngiasides A and D, two known megastigmane glucosides, icariside B1 and corchoionoside A, and benzyl 6'-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses.     

Two New Sesquiterpenoid Glucosides from the Aerial Parts of Saussurea involucrate

Two new sesqulterpenoid glucosides, namely α-hydroxycostic acid 6-β-D-glucopyranoside （compound 1） and 11 βH-11,13-dlhydrodehydrocostuslactone 8α-O-（6＇-acetyl）-β-D-glucopyranoside （compound 2）, along with 11 known sesqulterpenoids （compounds 3-13） were isolated from the aerial parts of Saussurea involucrate （Kar. et Kir.） Sch.- BIp. The structures of the new sesquiterpenoid glucosides were established by one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry analysis.     

Glyceroglycolipids from Serratula strangulata.

The rhizomes of Serratula strangulata yielded three glyceroglycolipids, i.e. 1,2-di-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoyl)-3-O-(6-amine-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucosyl)-glycerol, 1,2-di-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoyl)-3-O-(6-p-hydroxy-phenyl-propionamido-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucosyl)-glycerol and 1,2-di-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoyl)-3-O-[alpha-D-glucose(1-6)-beta-D-allose]-glycerol, as well as a known sesquiterpene lactone and three known phytoecdysones. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data, especially by 2D NMR spectroscopic methods and chemical conversion. These compounds exhibited significant antibacterial and antitumor activities.     

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.     

Glycosides from Phlomis lunariifolia

An aliphatic alcohol glycoside, lunaroside 1-octen-3-yl [O-beta-apiofuranosyl-(1-->6)-O-[beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-glucopyranoside, a phenylethanoid glycoside, lunariifolioside 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylO-beta-apiofuranosyl-(1-->6)-O-[O-beta-apiofuranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-4-O-(E)-caffeoyl-beta-glucopyranoside and a flavone glycoside, luteolin 7-O-[4-O-acetyl-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-glucuronopyranoside, were isolated from the aerial parts of Phlomis lunariifolia, in addition to 15 known glycosides. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic interpretation and chemical degradation.     

Cytotoxic triterpenoid saponins from the fruits of Aesculus pavia L

Continued chemical investigation on the fruits of North American Aesculus pavia L. resulted in the isolation and identification of 13 polyhydroxyoleanene pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins, named aesculiosides IIe-IIk (1-7), and IIIa-IIIf (8-13), together with 18 known compounds: aesculiosides Ia-Ie (14-18), IIa-IId (19-22), IVa-IVc (23-25), 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22-O-diangeloyl-3beta,15 alpha,16 alpha,21 beta,22 alpha,28-hexahydroxyolean-12-ene (26), 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22-O-diangeloyl-3beta,16 alpha,21 beta,22 alpha,24 beta,28-hexahydroxyolean-12-ene (27), 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-21,22-O-diangeloyl-3beta,16 alpha,21 beta,22 alpha,28-pentahydroxyolean-12-ene (28), R(1)-barrigenol (29), scopolin (30), and 5-methoxyscopolin (31). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical analyses. Compounds 14-22 and 26-28 were tested in vitro for their activity against 59 cell lines from nine different human cancers including leukemia, non-small cell lung, colon, CNS, melanoma, ovarian, renal, prostate, and breast. It was found that compounds with two-acyl groups at C-21 and C-22 had cytotoxic activity for all cell lines tested with GI(50) 0.175-8.71 microM, while compounds without acyl groups at C-21 and C-22 had weak or no cytotoxic activity. These results suggest that the acyl groups at C-21 and C-22 are essential for their activity.     

Acylated flavone C-glycosides from Cucumis sativus

Leaves of Cucumis sativus plants treated with silicon and infected with Sphaerotheca fuliginea yielded five new acylated flavone C-glycosides identified as isovitexin 2"-O-(6"'-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucoside (6), isovitexin 2"-O-(6"'-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucoside-4'-O-glucoside (7), isovitexin 2"-O-(6"'-(E)-feruloyl)glucoside-4'-O-glucoside (11), isoscoparin 2"-O-(6"'-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucoside (9), and isoscoparin 2"-O-(6"'-(E)-feruloyl)glucoside-4'-O-glucoside (12). The known flavone-glycosides isovitexin (1), saponarin (2), saponarin 4'-O-glucoside (3), vicenin-2 (4), apigenin 7-O-(6"-O-p-coumaroylglucoside) (5), isovitexin 2"-O-(6"'-(E)-feruloyl)glucoside (8) and isoscoparin 2"-O-(6"'-(E)-feruloyl)glucoside (10), were also identified in this plant material.     

Steroidal saponins from Asparagus africanus.

The structures of two new monodesmosidic spirostanosides and a new bisdesmosidic furostanol glycoside isolated from the roots of Asparagus africanus Lam. (Liliaceae) have been elucidated as (25R)-3 beta-hydroxy-5 beta-spirostan-12-one 3-O-{beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-1-arabinopyranosyl-(1--> 6)]-beta- D-glucopyranoside} (1), (25R)-5 beta-spirostan-3 beta-ol 3-O-{beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1--> 6)]-beta- D-glucopyranoside} (2) and 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-22 alpha-methoxy-(25R)-furostan-3 beta,26-diol 3-O-{beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranoside} (3), respectively, by the combined use of one and two dimensional NMR experiments. The complete 13C and 1H assignments of the peracetyl spirostanosides and the furostanol oligoside were derived. The interconversions between the methoxyl and hydroxyl group at C-22 of the furostanol glycoside was investigated and the genuine furostanol oligoside of A. africanus appears to be the hydroxyl type based on the comparative study of the methanol, pyridine and dioxane extracts.     

Triterpenes from Mucuna birdwoodiana.

Methanolic extracts of the stalks of Mucuna birdwoodiana on acid hydrolysis and subsequent methylation with diazomethane provided four triterpene sapogenols. On the other hand, investigation of glycosides after methylation of the same extract led to the isolation of four triterpene glycosides. On the basis of chemical and spectral evidence, their structures were characterized as methyl asiatate, methyl maslinate, two new sapogenols, methyl 1 beta,2 alpha,3 beta,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en 28-oate (mucunagenin a), its urs-12-en isomer (mucunagenin b), 3-O-(6-O-methyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl) methyl asiatate 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1----2)]-6-O-methyl-beta-D-glucur onopyranosyl methyl maslinate, 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1----2)]-6-O-methyl-beta-D-glucur onopyranosyl methyl asiatate and 3-O-(6-O-methyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl) asiatic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.     

Flavonol glycosides from Monnina sylvatica.

A new kaempferol triglycoside and three known kaempferol glycosides, among them two apiosides, have been isolated from the aerial parts of Monnina sylvatica. The structures were established on the basis of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis and spectral data (UV, 1H and 13CNMR, NOE difference measurements, D/CI and FAB-MS) of the isolates and of some derivatives. The triglycoside kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucosyl-(1----2)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnosyl(1----6)]-beta-D- galactoside is a new natural product. The configuration of the apiosyl moiety in kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-apiosyl(1----2)-beta-D-galactoside and kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-apiosyl(1----2)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnosyl(1----6)]- beta-D-galactoside was established through NOE difference measurements on the peracetate.     

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.     

Oligosaccharide polyester and triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Polygala japonica

An oligosaccharide polyester, 1-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl-(3-O-benzoyl)-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-(2-->1)-[6-O-(E)-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-[6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-(4-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-4-O-[4-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(E)-p-coumaroyl]-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (polygalajaponicose I), and four triterpenoid saponins, 3beta, 23, 27-trihydroxy-29-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (polygalasaponin XLVII), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester (polygalasaponin XLVIII), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->5)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (polygalasaponin XLIX) and 2beta, 27-dihydroxy-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 11-oxo-olean-12-en-23, 28-dioic acid 28-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->5)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl ester (polygalasaponin L), in addition to five known compounds have been isolated from the roots of Polygala japonica.     

Two triacylated and tetraglucosylated anthocyanins from Ipomoea asarifolia flowers

Two triacylated and tetraglucosylated anthocyanins derived from cyanidin were isolated from the flowers of Ipomoea asarifolia and their structures elucidated using chemical, GC, MS and NMR methods (1H and 13C, TOCSY-1D, DQF-COSY, DIFFNOE and HMBC). These complex pigments were found to consist of cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-E-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)]-[6-O-[4-O-(6-O-E-3,5-dihydroxycinnamoyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-E-caffeoyl]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and cyanidin 3-O-[2-O-(6-O-E-p-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)]-[6-O-[4-O-(6-O-E-p-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-E-caffeoyl]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.     

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.