Saponins in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) root and their structural elucidation.

Twenty-four saponins have been identified in alfalfa roots, including 13 medicagenic acids, 2 zanhic acids, 4 hederagenins, 1 soyasapogenol A, 2 soyasapogenol B's, 1 soyasapogenol E, and 1 bayogenin glycoside. Ten of the identified compounds, including 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D- glucopyranoside medicagenate, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta -D-glucopyranoside] medicagenic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D -glucopyranosyl]-28-beta- D-glucopyranoside medicagenate, 3-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl methyl ester]-28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1--> 2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside] medicagenate, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-be ta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-21-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside soyasapogenol A, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)glucopy ranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1- ->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside] medicagenate, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)glucopy ranosyl]-28-O-?beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-)-[beta-D-apiofurano syl-(1 -->3)]- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside? medicagenate, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D -glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyra nosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside] zanhic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D -glucopyranosyl]-28-O-?beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofurano side-(1-->3)]- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside?zanhic acid, and 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28- O-b eta-D-glucopyranoside bayogenin, were not reported before, and their structures were established by spectral (FAB-MS and NMR) techniques. In addition, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-be ta-D-glucuronopyranoside] soyasapogenol E was identified in the roots for the first time.     

Triterpene saponins from the roots of Medicago hybrida

Fourteen triterpene saponins (1-14) have been isolated from the roots of Medicago hybrida and their structures elucidated by FAB-MS and NMR analysis. Two of them are new compounds and were identified as hederagenin 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7) and oleanolic acid 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] (14). Seven saponins being mono- and bidesmosides of hederagenin (1, 5, 6, 9), one bidesmoside of bayogenin (2), and two bidesmosides of 2beta,3beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-23-al-28-oic acid (11) and oleanolic acid (13) are known compounds but not previously reported as saponin constituents of Medicago, whereas five other saponins, being mono- and bidesmosides of medicagenic acid (3, 4, 8, 10, 12), and one monodesmoside of hederagenin (8) have been previously isolated from other Medicago species. The presence of 2beta,3beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-23-al-28-oic acid might represent an interesting intermediate in the biosynthesis of these substances.     

New oleanane saponins in Chenopodium quinoa

Six triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the seeds of Chenopodium quinoa (Chenopodiaceae). Their structures were as follows: phytolaccagenic acid 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1' '-->3')-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1); spergulagenic acid 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2); hederagenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3); phytolaccagenic acid 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4); hederagenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5); and spergulagenic acid 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1' '-->3')-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6). Saponins 5 and 6 are new. The structures were characterized on the basis of hydrolysis and spectral evidence, including IR, UV, optical rotations, 1D- and 2D-NMR (HMQC and HMBC), ESIMS, and FABMS analyses.     

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) flavonoids. 2. Tricin and chrysoeriol glycosides from aerial parts.

Ten flavone glycosides have been isolated and identified in aerial parts of alfalfa. These included six tricin, one 3'-O-methyltricetin, and three chrysoeriol glycosides. Most of these compounds were acylated with ferulic, coumaric, or sinapic acids, and acylation occurred on the terminal glucuronic acid. Eight of these compounds, including 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-3'-O-methyltricetin, 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosidechrysoeriol, 7-O-[2'-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]chrysoeriol, 7-O-[2'-O-feruloyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]chrysoeriol, 7-O-[2'-O-sinapoyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, 7-O-[2'-O- feruloyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, 7-O-[2'-O-p-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, and 7-O-[2'-O-feruloyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, have not been reported previously in the plant kingdom. Two previously identified alfalfa flavones, 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosidetricin and 7-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside]tricin, were also isolated.     

Three new furostanol saponins from the leaves of Lycianthes synanthera ("Chomte"), an edible Mesoamerican plant

Three new furostanol oligoglycosides, 3-O-{alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl}-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22alpha-methoxy-25R-furost-5-ene-3beta,17alpha,26-triol (1), 3-O-{alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl}-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylfurost-5-ene-3beta,17alpha,22alpha,25,26-pentol (2), and 3-O-{alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl}-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosylfurost-5-ene-3beta,22alpha,25,26-tetrol (3), named lycianthosides A-C, together with known flavone glycosides were isolated from Lycianthes synanthera leaves, an edible plant of the Solanaceae family that grows naturally in Guatemala. The nutrient composition of the raw leaves was also evaluated.     

Flavonoids from barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) aerial parts

Twenty-three flavonoids have been identified in the aerial parts of barrel medic, and their structures were established by spectrometric and spectroscopic (ESI-MS/MS and NMR) techniques. Eight of the identified compounds, including apigenin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin 7-O-[2'-O-sinapoyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside], apigenin 7-O-{2-O-feruloyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside}, chrysoeriol 7-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, chrysoeriol 7-O-{2'-O-p-coumaroyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside}, tricin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-4'-O-glucopyranoside, tricin 7-O-[2'-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside], and tricin 7-O-{2'-O-p-coumaroyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside}, have not been reported before in the plant kingdom. Additionally, the presence of two luteolin, three apigenin, one chrysoeriol, and six tricin glycosides, previously identified in alfalfa (Medicago sativa), was confirmed in M. truncatula. Moreover, besides the above flavones, the aerial parts of this species contained three flavonols including rutin, laricitrin 3,7,5'-triglucoside, and laricitrin 3,5'-diglucoside.     

Structure of a new echinocystic acid bisdesmoside isolated from Codonopsis lanceolata roots and the cytotoxic activity of prosapogenins

We isolated a new saponin named codonoposide (1) from the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata (Campanulaceae) and characterized it as 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-3beta,16alpha-dihydroxyolean-28-oic acid 28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl] ester by chemical, physicochemical, and 2DNMR techniques. Complete hydrolysis of 1 produced a sapogenin (1a), and the partial hydrolysis and further isolation afforded two prosapogenins (1b, 1c). The structures of 1a, 1b, and 1c were found to be 3beta,16alpha-dihydroxyolean-28-oic acid (echinocystic acid, 1a), 3-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside of 1a, and 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside of 1a, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic data. On MTT assay, 1a showed marginal cytotoxic activity whereas 1b exhibited more cytotoxicity than 1a. However, the bisdesmosylsaponin 1 exhibited no cytotoxicity (IC(50)>0.3 mM against tested cell lines). This result indicated that glycoside linkage of glucuronic acid at C-3 enhances the cytotoxicity of sapogenin (1a), and additive glycosylation of xylose to 1b strongly enhances the cytotoxicity of 3-O-monosaccharides (1b). Therefore, true forms of codonoposide for the cytotoxicity must be sapogenins or prosapogenins.     

Studies on the constituents of Chenopodium quinoa seeds: isolation and characterization of new triterpene saponins

Six triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the edible grain quinoa, which is seeds of Chenopodium quinoa (Chenopodiaceae). Following are their structures: phytolaccagenic acid 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1' '-->3')-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1); phytolaccagenic acid 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1' '-->3')-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2); phytolaccagenic acid 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1' "-->3' ')-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1' '-->2')-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3); phytolaccagenic acid 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1' "-->2' ')-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1' '-->3')-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4); oleanolic acid 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1' '-->3')-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5); and oleanolic acid 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1' '-->3')-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6). The oleanane-type saponins (5, 6) were isolated for the first time in this plant, two of the phytolaccagenane (1, 3) were new compounds and two (2, 4) were previously found in quinoa. The structures were characterized on the basis of hydrolysis and spectral evidence, including 1D- and 2-D NMR (HMQC and HMBC) and ESI-MS analyses.     

Triterpene saponins from barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) aerial parts

Triterpene saponins from Medicago truncatula aerial parts have been separated and their structures determined by the extensive use of 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments including 1H-1H (DQF-COSY, 1D-TOCSY) and 1H-13C (HSQC, HMBC) spectroscopy along with ESIMS. Fifteen individual compounds were isolated that included seven medicagenic acid and eight zanhic acid glycosides. Additionally, two soyasapogenol B and soyasapogenol E glycosides were identified by MS/MS and TLC. Four medicagenic acid glycosides (5, 11, 12, 14) and eight zanhic acid glycosides (1-4, 6-9) are reported here for the first time. The common feature of M. truncatula aerial part saponins is the (1-->3) linkage between the two glucose units at C-3 of medicagenic and zanhic acids, which is different from that found in alfalfa (Medicago sativa), where this linkage was always (1-->2). This may suggest differences in glucosyltransferases between these two Medicago species.     

Characterization of the triterpene saponins of the roots and rhizomes of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides).

Seven triterpene saponins were isolated from n-butanol fractions of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) roots and rhizomes. Their structures were established by spectral ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, 2D-NMR, and APCI-MS) techniques and chemical reactions as hederagenin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (1); caulophyllogenin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (2); hederagenin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (3); 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4); 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl- caulophyllogenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5); 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl- echinocystic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6); 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-hederagenin 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7). All seven compounds were identified in this species for the first time.     

Antimicrobial furostanol saponins from the seeds of Capsicum annuum L. var. acuminatum

Three new furostanol saponins named capsicoside E (1), capsicoside F (2), and capsicoside G (5) were obtained from the seeds of Capsicum annuum L. var. acuminatum along with known oligoglycosides (3, 4, and 6-10). On the basis of chemical and spectroscopic analyses, the structures of these new furostanol oligoglycosides were elucidated as 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-O-methyl-5alpha-furost-25(27)-en-2alpha,3beta,22xi,26-tetraol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (1), 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5alpha-furost-20(22)-en-2alpha,3beta,26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (2), and 26-O-beta-D-gluco-pyranosyl-(25R)-5alpha-furosta-3beta,22xi,26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (5). The isolated saponins showed higher antimicrobial activity against yeasts than against common fungi. Data indicated that the antiyeast activity was related to the combination of the oligosaccharide chain (S1, S2, or S3) with an O-methyl group at R(3) and the presence of a hydroxyl group at the C-2 position.     

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) flavonoids. 1. Apigenin and luteolin glycosides from aerial parts

Nine flavones and adenosine have been identified in aerial parts of alfalfa, and their structures were established by spectral (FABMS and NMR) techniques. Five of the identified compounds, including apigenin 7-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin 7-O-[2-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin 7-O-[2-O-feruloyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside], apigenin 7-O-[2-O-p-coumaroyl-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside], and luteolin 7-O-[2-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, have not been reported before in the plant kingdom. Additionally, five known compounds, including apigenin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin 4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, apigenin 7-O-[beta-D- glucuronopyranosyl(1-->2)-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside], luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, and adenosine, were identified.     

Isolation and identification of novel pyranoanthocyanins from black carrot (Daucus carota L.) juice

Six novel pyranoanthocyanins were identified by HPLC-ESI-MSn in black carrot (Daucus carota L. ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) juice. The two major compounds, namely, the vinylcatechol adducts of cyanidin 3-O-(6-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->6)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside and cyanidin 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside, respectively, were isolated by a combination of high-speed countercurrent chromatography with semipreparative HPLC. Their structures were fully elucidated by means of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The four remaining pigments were characterized as the vinylphenol and vinylguaiacol adducts of cyanidin 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside, the vinylguaiacol adduct of cyanidin 3-O-(6-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->6)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside, and the vinylcatechol adduct of cyanidin 3-O-(6-O-sinapoyl-beta-d-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->6)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-galactopyranoside. These compounds are formed during storage of the juice through the direct reaction of either caffeic, ferulic, or coumaric acid with the respective genuine anthocyanins.     

Quantification of saponins in aerial and subterranean tissues of Medicago truncatula

Triterpene saponins from aerial and subterranean organs of Medicago truncatula cv. Jemalong A-17 were qualitatively profiled and quantified using reverse-phase HPLC with on-line photodiode array detection and electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/PDA/ESI/MS). Absolute quantifications were performed for 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-medicagenic acid and soyasaponin 1 (3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside] soyasapogenol B), whereas relative quantifications were determined for 29 other saponins in root, stem, leaf, seedpod, and seed. Roots contained the greatest total amount of saponins followed by leaf and seed, respectively. The quantitative data also reveal the differential accumulation of triterpene saponins in the various organs of M. truncatula. Specifically, relatively higher quantities of medicagenic acid conjugates accumulated in leaf and seed, whereas relatively higher levels of soysapogenol conjugates were observed in root. The differential accumulation of specific triterpene saponins is suggestive of spatially differentiated biosynthesis and/or biological function.     

Acetophenone glycosides from thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.).

Four acetophenone glycosides were isolated from the butanol-soluble fraction of thyme extracts. Their structures were determined by spectral methods (MS, NMR, and 2D-NMR). Among them, two new compounds, 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D -gl ucopyranoside (1) and 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)-beta-D-apiofuranosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D-+ ++gluc opyranoside (2), were determined. Compound 1 showed weak cytotoxicity, inhibiting DNA synthesis of human leukemia cells.     

Isolation and identification of steroidal saponins in Taiwanese yam cultivar (Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto)

A new furostanol pentaoligoside and spirostanol tetraoligoside were isolated for the first time from yam tubers (Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto) from Taiwan, together with four known yam saponins, methyl protodioscin, methyl protogracillin, dioscin, and gracillin. Their structures were characterized as 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22alpha-methoxyl-(25R)-furost-5-en-3beta,26-diol, 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-([alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)])-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and (25R)-spirost-5-en-3beta-ol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-([alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)])-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The structural identification was performed using LC-MS and 1H and 13C NMR. The methanol extract of yam tubers was fractionated by XAD-2 column chromatography using a methanol/water gradient elution system to yield furostanol and spirostanol glycoside fractions. Preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, employing a C18 column and a mobile phase of methanol/water (69:31, v/v), was used to separate each furostanol glycoside, whereas a mobile phase of methanol/water (79:21, v/v) was used to resolve the individual spirostanol glycosides. The conversions from steroid saponins to diosgenin after acid hydrolysis were around 68 and 90% for furostanol and spirostanol glycosides, respectively.     

Isolation and structural elucidation of two new glycosides from sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

Six compounds, 1-O-(2,3, 4-trihydroxy-3-methyl)butyl-6-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, ethyl beta-D-glucopyranosyl tuberonate, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, (-)-hydroxyjasmonic acid, caffeic acid, and 4-hydroxyacetophenone 4-O-[5-O-(3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-beta-D-apiofrunosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D- glu copyranoside, were isolated from the n-butanol-soluble fraction of sage leaf extracts. Their structures were determined by spectral methods (MS, NMR, and 2D-NMR), and their antioxidant activities were measured. Among them, two new glycosides were elucidated. All of these compounds showed DPPH free radical scavenging activity at the concentration of 30 mM, and caffeic acid was the most active compound.     

Triterpene saponins from aerial parts of Medicago arabica L

Eight major triterpene saponins have been isolated from the aerial parts of Medicago arabica and their structures elucidated by FAB-MS and NMR analysis. Three of them are new compounds and are identified as 3-O-(alpha-L-arabinopyranoside) bayogenin, 3-O-(alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl), 28-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside) bayogenin, and 3-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl], 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside 2-beta-hydroxyoleanolic acid. Two saponins, identified as 3-O-(alpha-L-arabinopyranoside) hederagenin and 3-O-(alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl), 28-O-(beta-D-glucopyranoside) hederagenin are known compounds but not previously reported as saponin constituents of Medicago species, while three other saponins, being mono- and bidesmosides of hederagenin, have been previously isolated from roots of M. sativa.     

Four new steroidal saponins from the seeds of Allium tuberosum

Four new steroidal saponins, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S,20R)-20-O-methyl-5alpha-furost-22(23)-en-2alpha,3beta,20,26-tetraol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1); 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S,20R)-5alpha-furost-22(23)-en-2alpha,3beta,20,26-tetraol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2); 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S,20S)-5alpha-furost-22(23)-en-2alpha,3beta,20,26-tetraol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3); and 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S,20S)-5alpha-furost-22(23)-en-3beta,20,26-triol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), have been isolated from the seeds of Allium tuberosum. Their structures were established by spectroscopic studies such as MS, IR, NMR, and 2D-NMR and the results of acid hydrolysis and named tuberosides F, G, H, and I, respectively.     

Spectroscopic identification and antioxidant activity of glucosylated carotenoid metabolites from Cydonia vulgaris fruits

Carotenoid metabolites are common plant constituents with significant importance for the flavor and aroma of fruits. Three new carotenoid derivatives, (2E,4E)-8-hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-2,4-decadiene-1,10-dioic acid 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), (2Z,4E)-8-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-2,7-dimethyl-2,4-decadiene-1,10-dioic acid (3), and 3,9-dihydroxymegastigmast-5-ene-3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), as well as three known compounds, have been isolated from the ethanolic extract of peels of Cydonia vulgaris, the fruit of a shrub belonging to the same family as the apple. All the compounds were identified by spectroscopic techniques, especially 1D and 2D NMR. Antioxidant activities of all the isolated metabolites were assessed by measuring their ability to scavenge DPPH radical and superoxide radical (O2*-) and to induce the reduction of Mo(VI).