小花草玉梅化学成分研究

目的：研究银莲花属植物小花草玉梅的化学成分。方法：采用硅胶柱色谱,凝胶柱色谱,反相柱色谱并结合制备高效液相色谱等技术分离纯化单体化合物,并根据理化性质及光谱数据鉴定结构。结果：分离并鉴定了4个化合物,分别是常春藤皂苷元-28-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖酯苷（1）、3-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖-（1→2）-α-L-吡喃阿拉伯糖-齐墩果酸皂苷元-28-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖-（1→4）-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖-（1→6）-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖酯苷（2）、3-O-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖-（1→2）-α-L-吡喃阿拉伯糖-常春藤皂苷元-28-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖-（1→4）-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖-（1→6）-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖酯苷（3）和3-O-β-D-吡喃核糖-（1→3）-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖-（1→2）-α-L-吡喃阿拉伯糖-常春藤皂苷元-28-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖-（1→4）-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖-（1→6）-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖酯苷（4）。结论：化合物1为首次从银莲花属植物中分离得到,2-4为首次从小花草玉梅中分离得到。     

羽叶鬼灯檠中的单萜二糖苷

从羽叶鬼灯檠 (RodgersiapinnataFranch .)的根茎中分离得到 6个单萜二糖苷 ,它们的结构通过波谱方法分别鉴定为 :(E ) 3,7 dimethyl 1 O [α L rhamnopyranosyl (1→ 6 ) β D glu copyranosyl] oct 2 en 7 ol (1) ,(E ) 3,7 dimethyl 1 O [α L arabinofuranosyl (1→ 6 ) β D glucopy ranosyl] oct 2 en 7 ol (2 ) ,geranyl 1 O α L arabinofuranosyl (1→ 6 ) β D glucopyranoside (3) ,gera nyl 1 O α L rhamnopyranosyl (1→ 6 ) β D glucopyranoside (4 ) ,geranyl 1 O β D xylopyranosyl (1→6 ) β D glucopyranoside (5 ) ,geranyl 1 O α L arabinopyranosyl (1→ 6 ) β D glucopyranoside (6 )。其中化合物 1为新化合物 ,单萜二糖苷类化合物系首次在该属中发现。     

旋花茄新鲜果实中的三个甾体皂苷

从茄科食用植物旋花茄(Solanum spirde)的新鲜果实中分离得到3个化合物,其中一个为新成分,经现代波谱学方法鉴定为26-0-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖基-(25R)-呋甾-3β,22ξ,26-三醇-5-烯-3-0-α-L-鼠李吡喃糖基-(1-2)-[3-0-(3-O-乙酰基)-α-L-鼠李吡喃糖基-(1-4)]-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖苷(1).2个已知化合物分别为26-O-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖基-(25R)-呋甾-22ξ-甲氧基-3β,26-二醇-5-烯-3-O-α-L-鼠李吡哺糖基-(1-2)-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖苷(2)和26-O-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖基-(25R)-呋甾-3β,22ξ,26-三醇-5-烯-3-O-α-L-鼠李吡喃糖基-(1-2)-[α-L-鼠李吡喃糖基-(1-4)]-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖苷(protodioscin)(3),均为首次从该植物中分离得到.     

Triterpene saponins from Cyclamen hederifolium

Five triterpene saponins never reported before, hederifoliosides A-E, and four known triterpene saponins were isolated from the tubers of Cyclamen hederifolium. The structures of hederifoliosides A-E were determined as 3β,16α-dihydroxy-13β,28-epoxyolean-30-oic acid 3-O-{[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O]-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside}, 3β,16α-dihydroxy-13β,28-epoxyolean-30-oic acid 3-O-{[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O]-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside}, 3β,16α-dihydroxy-13β,28-epoxyolean-30-al 3-O-{[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O]-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside}, 30-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,16α,30-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-al 3-O-{[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O]-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside}, 30-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3β,16α,28,30-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en 3-O-{[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O]-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside}, by a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques, and mass spectrometry. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated against a small panel of cancer cell lines including Hela, H-446, HT-29, and U937. None of the tested compounds, in a range of concentrations between 1 and 50 μM, caused a significant reduction of the cell number.     

西南远志中皂苷类成分的分离与鉴定

采用乙醇回流提取,通过硅胶柱、HPD100大孔树脂、Sephadex LH-20、半制备HPLC分离方法,运用现代谱学方法从西南远志中分离并鉴定了4个齐墩果酸型皂苷类化合物,均为顺反异构体,所用实验方法并不能有效分开。他们分别是:(E/Z)-PolygalasaponinXLIV(1),3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl presenegenin 28-O-β-D-galactopyr-anosyl-(1→4)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[6-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-{4-O-([E/Z)-3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl}]-β-D-fucopyranosyl ester(2),(E/Z)-PolygalasaponinXXX(3)(,E/Z)-senegasaponin C(4),均为首次从该种植物中分离得到。     

黄花远志的新齐墩果烷型三萜皂甙

从云南产远志科药用植物黄花远志(PolygalaarillataBuchHamexDDon)茎皮的乙醇提取物中分离得到4个新的齐墩果烷型三萜皂甙,命名为黄花远志皂甙(arillatanoside)A～D。同时还分离得到1个已知的三萜皂甙远志甙(polygalasaponin)XXXV。它们的结构通过波谱方法推定。     

金铁锁的新三萜皂甙

从金铁锁（Psammosilene tunicoides W.C.Wu et C.Y.Wu)根部分离得到5个齐墩果烷型五环三萜皂苷,它们的结构通过波谱和化学方法分别鉴定为：3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-gypsogenin(1),3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-gypsogenin(2),3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucuronopyra-nosyl-gypsogenin-28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-fucopyranoside(LobatosideI,3),3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucuronopyranosylgypsogenin-28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-fucopyranoside(4),3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→）-β-D-glucuro-nopyranosyl-grpsogenin-28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-[β-D-6-O-acetylglucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucuro-nopyranosyl-gypsogenin-28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-[β-D-6-O-acetylglucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-α-L-rh-amnopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-fucopyranoside(5),其中5为新化合物,1和2为首次从自然界中分离得到。     

虎尾草化学成分研究

从虎尾草Lysimachia barystachys地上部分中分得8个已知黄酮苷类化合物,通过波谱解析其结构分别鉴定为槲皮素(1),山奈酚(2),金丝桃苷(3)、芦丁(4)、3,5,7,3',4'-五羟基黄酮-3-O-(2,6-二-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖)-β-D-吡喃半乳糖苷(5),3,5,7,3',4'-五羟基黄酮-7-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖-3-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖(1-2)-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(6),3,5,7,4'-四羟基黄酮-3-O-(2,6-二-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖)-β-D-吡喃半乳糖苷(7),3,5,7,4'-四羟基黄酮-7-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖-3-O-α-L-吡喃鼠李糖(1-2)-β-D-吡喃葡萄糖苷(8).这些化合物除3,4外均为首次从该植物中分离得到.     

New pregnane glycosides from Brucea javanica and their antifeedant activity

Three new pregnane glycosides, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(20R)-pregn-5-ene-3β,20-diol (1), 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(20R)-pregn-5-ene-3β,20-diol-20-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(20R)-pregn-5-ene-3β,20-diol-20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) were isolated along with four known compounds, 4-7, from the leaves and stems of Brucea javanica. Their structures were determined by detailed analyses of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic data. All of the compounds isolated from Brucea javanica were tested for the antifeedant activities against the larva of Pieris rapae. Compounds 1, 3, and 5 showed significant antifeedant activities after 72 h incubation.     

无柄新乌檀中的配糖体

从无柄新乌檀乙醇浸膏的正丁醇部位分离得到7个已知配糖体化合物,经波谱分析为：喹诺酸-3-O-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖基(28→1)-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖酯(1),齐墩果酸-(28→1)-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖酯(2),熊果酸-(28→1)-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖酯(3),喹诺酸-3-O-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖基-(1→3)-6-去氧-β-葡萄吡喃糖苷(4),齐墩果酸-3-O-β-D-吡喃木糖基-(1→2)-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖基-28-O-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖酯(5),番木鳖甙(6),7-甲氧基-龙胆苦甙(7)。这些化合物均为首次从该属中分离得到。     

广东冬青中的三萜及三萜皂甙成分

从广东冬青（Ｉｌｅｘ ｋｗａｎｇｔｕｎｇｅｎｓｉｓ）的叶中分离得到四个三萜皂甙和三个三萜成分,通过光谱解析及化学方法,三个三萜成分分别鉴定为齐墩果酸（１）、熊果酸（２）和常春藤皂甙元（３）;四个三萜皂甙成分分别鉴定为齐墩果酸３－Ｏ－β－Ｄ－吡喃葡萄糖基－（１→３）－α－Ｌ－吡喃阿拉伯糖甙（４）、齐墩果酸３－Ｏ－β－Ｄ－吡喃葡萄糖基－（１→２）－α－Ｌ－吡喃阿拉伯糖甙（５）、齐墩果酸３－Ｏ－β－Ｄ－     

Molecular complexes of ivy and licorice saponins with sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and their biological activity

The molecular complexation of triterpene glycosides α-hederin (hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(l → 2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside), hederasaponin C (hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(l → 2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(l → 4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(l → 6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside), and glycyram (monoammonium glycyrrhizinate) with sildenafil citrate was investigated for the first time using electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. The glycosides form a complex in a 1: 1 molar ratio. The influence of the complex on Avena sativa seeds germination and its ichthyotoxicity against Poecilia reticulata were studied.     

Triterpenoid saponins from Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam

Phytochemical investigation of the under-ground parts of Hydrocotyle bonariensis led to the isolation of five oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl}-21-O-(2-methylbutyroyl)-22-O-acetyl-R(1)-barrigenol, 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl}-21-O-(2-methylbutyroyl)-28-O-acetyl-R(1)-barrigenol, 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl}-21-O-acetyl-R(1)-barrigenol, 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl}-R(1)-barrigenol, and 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl}-22-O-(2-methylbutyroyl)-A(1)-barrigenol, together with the known saniculoside-R1. Their structures were established by 2D NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. Six compounds were evaluated against two human colon cancer cell lines, HCT 116 and HT-29. Two compounds showed weak cytotoxicity with IC(50) 24.1 and 24.0, 83.0 and 83.6 μM against HT-29 and HCT 116, respectively.     

Molecular complexes of ivy triterpene glycosides with β-cyclodextrin

Molecular complexes of triterpene glycosides such as α-hederin (hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside) and hederasaponin C (hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) with β-cyclodextrin were synthesized. The complex formation was studied by FTIR spectroscopy. Toxic properties of the molecular complexes were examined.     

用数字和形态分类学方法研究扁穗苔属的等级问题

本文是针对大花嵩草组的等级问题,选用了本类群和相关类群资料;应用经典植物分类学的比较方法和数字分类学的信息系统分类,相似性相关系统分类和相似性距离系统分类的方法进行研究的结。数宇分类的树系和和经典形态分类的比较表反映出它不同于蒿草属,虽然它较接近苔草属和扁穗苔属,但它们的形态性状是不相同的,所以把它作为属的等级更加合适;同时我们也同意伊万诺娃的观点。     

The Glucosides from Swertia mussotii Franch

Swertia mussotii Franch. is a herb used for treatment of liver disease in Qinghai-Tibcran Plateau folk. Further investigation on chemical constituents in aqueous extract of Swertia mussotii Franch. has been reported here. Seven compounds (Ⅰ, Ⅲ–Ⅷ) were achieved except mangiferin (Ⅱ) isolated previously by a chromatograph. They belong in secoiridoids, flavonoids and xanthonoids, respectively. The structures of known compounds were identified as amarogentin(Ⅲ), swertisin(Ⅷ), 8-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1, 3, 5-trihydroxyxanthone(Ⅶ) and 8-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-I, 7-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (Ⅵ). The structures of other three new compounds have been elucidated as 7-O-β-D-xylopy-ranosyl-1, 8-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (Ⅳ), 7-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1-2)-β-D-xylopyranosyl]-l,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone(Ⅰ)and 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosy 1,8-dihydroxy-5-methoxyxanthone (Ⅴ), by means of the chemical and spectral methods. Mangiferin, amarogentin and 7-0- [α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-β-D-xylopyranosyl]-l,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone are the principal glucosides in this plant.     

Molecular complexation of α-hederin with hederasaponin C

The molecular complexation of triterpene glycosides α-hederin (hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside) with hederasaponin C (hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) was investigated for the first time using the methods of IR- and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. The glycosides form a complex in the 1: 1 molar ratio. The influence of complex on Avena sativa seeds germination and its ichthyotoxicity against Poecilia reticulata were studied.     

Lupane-type triterpenoids from the steamed leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum and their inhibitory effects on the LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine production in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

Two new compounds, (20R)-3α-hydroxy-29-dimethoxylupan-23,28-dioic acid (1) and 3α-hydroxylup-20(29)-ene-23,28-dioic acid 28-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (2), and eight known lupane-type triterpenoids (3-10), were isolated from steamed leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum. Chemical structures were determined using a combination of spectroscopic analyses and chemical reactivity. Compounds 1-10 were evaluated for their inhibitory activities on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated interleukin (IL)-12 production in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Compound 1 exhibited inhibitory activity with IC(50) value of 26.5 μM on IL-12 production, compared with IC(50) value of 29.6 μM for the positive control. Compound 1 also showed significant suppression of LPS-stimulated IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production.     

Acylated protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides from the root of Panax ginseng

Six new protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides, named ginsenosides Ra(4) -Ra(9) (1-6, resp.), along with 14 known dammarane-type triterpene saponins, were isolated from the root of Panax ginseng, one of the most important Chinese medicinal herbs. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, HR-MS, and chemical transformation as (20S)- 3-O-{β-D-6-O-[(E)-but-2-enoyl]glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-20-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (1), (20S)-3-O-[β-D-6-O-acetylglucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (2), (20S)-3-O-{β-D-6-O-[(E)-but-2-enoyl]glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-20-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (3), (20S)-3-O-{β-D-6-O-[(E)-but-2-enoyl]glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-20-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (4), (20S)-3-O-{β-D-4-O-[(E)-but-2-enoyl]glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-20-O-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (5), (20S)-3-O-{β-D-6-O-[(E)-but-2-enoyl]glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-20-O-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]protopanaxadiol (6). The sugar moiety at C(3) of the aglycone of each new ginsenoside is butenoylated or acetylated.     

Aldose reductase inhibition of a saponin-rich fraction and new furostanol saponin derivatives from Balanites aegyptiaca

BackgroundBalanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae) fruits are used to treat hyperglycemia in Egyptian folk medicine and are sold by herbalists in the Egyptian open market for this purpose. Nevertheless, the fruits have not yet been incorporated into pharmaceutical dosage forms. The identity of the bioactive compounds and their possible mechanisms of action were not well understood until now.PurposeAldose reductase inhibitors are considered vital therapeutic and preventive agents to address complications caused by hyperglycemia. The present study was carried out to identify the primary compounds responsible for the aldose reductase inhibitory activity of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits.Study designThe 70% ethanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit mesocarp and its fractions were screened for inhibition of the aldose reductase enzyme. Bio-guided fractionation of the active butanol fraction was performed and the primary compounds present in the saponin-rich fraction (D), which were responsible for the inhibitory activity, were characterized. HPLC chromatographic profiles were established for the different fractions, using the isolated compounds as biomarkers.MethodsAldose reductase inhibition was tested in vitro on rat liver homogenate. The butanol fraction of the 70% ethanolic extract was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC, RP-18 column). The most active sub-fraction D, which was eluted with 75% methanol, was subjected to preparative HPLC to isolate the bioactive compounds.ResultsThe butanol fraction displayed inhibitory activity against the aldose reductase enzyme (IC₅₀ = 55.0 ± 6 µg/ml). Sub-fraction D exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 12.8 ± 1 µg/ml). Five new steroidal saponin derivatives were isolated from this fraction. The isolated compounds were identified as compound 1a/b, a 7:3 mixture of the 25R:25S epimers of 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-furost-5-ene-3,22,26-triol 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside; compound 2, 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5-ene-3,22,26-triol 3-O-[ β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside; compound 3, 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5,20-diene-3,26-diol 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)- β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside; compound 4, 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-5,20-diene-3,26-diol 3-O-[ β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside; and compound 5, which is the 25S epimer of compound 4, by using various spectroscopic methods [MS,1D and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, DQF-COSY, HSQC-TOCSY)]. Compounds 1a/b, 2, 3, 4, 5 exhibited highly significant aldose reductase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ values were 1.9 ± 0.2, 1.3 ± 0.5, 5.6 ± 0.2, 5.1 ± 0.4, 5.1 ± 0.6 µM, respectively) as compared to the activity of the reference standard quercetin (IC₅₀ = 6.6 ± 0.3 µM).ConclusionThe aldose reductase inhibitory activity of Balanites fruits is due to the steroidal saponins present. HPLC chromatographic profiles of the crude butanol fraction and its 4 sub-fractions showed that the most highly bioactive fraction D contained the highest amount of steroidal saponins (75%) as compared to the 21% present in the original butanol fraction. The isolated furostanol saponins proved to be highly active in an in vitro assay.