Cytotoxic triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Cephalaria gigantea

Three new oleanane-type saponins, giganteosides L (1), M (2) and N (3) along with eight known ones were isolated from the roots of Cephalaria gigantea. Their structures were established as 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-hederagenin, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-hederagenin, respectively, by means of spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS). Cytotoxic activity of monodesmosides was investigated in vitro using three cancer cell lines, namely, human non pigmented melanoma MEL-5 and human leukemia HL-60. Giganteosides D (4) and E (5) showed antiproliferative effect on human cell lines with IC(50) values in the range 3.15-7.5 microM.     

Stereocontrolled glycoside and glycosyl ester synthesis. neighboring group participation and hydrogenolysis of 3-(2'-benzyloxyphenyl)-3,3-dimethylpropanoates

[reaction: see text] The 2-O-[3-(2'-benzyloxyphenyl)-3,3-dimethylpropanoate] and 2-O-[3-(2'-benzyloxy-4',6'-dimethylphenyl)-3,3-dimethylpropanoate] esters enable the synthesis of a range of beta-glucosides and alpha-mannosides through neighboring participation in excellent yield, and are removed by hydrogenolysis in concert with the cleavage of benzyl esters in the presence of other esters making them particularly well suited to the stereocontrolled synthesis of glycosyl esters.     

Lupane glycosides from the leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum

Three new lupane-type saponins, acankoreosides F--H (1--3) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum NAKAI. The structures of these three saponins were established by chemical and spectroscopic analysis as 3alpha,30-dihydroxylup-20(29)-en-23,28-dioic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (1), 3alpha,30-dihydroxylup-23-al-20(29)-en-28-oic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (2), and (20S) 3alpha-hydroxylup-23-al-28,29-dioic acid 28-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (3), respectively. The effects of the isolates (1-3) on the lipopolysaccharide-induced production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 were evaluated in RAW 264.7 macrophages.     

4-(pyridin-2-yl)thiazol-2-yl thioglycosides as bidentate ligands for oligosaccharide synthesis via temporary deactivation

This study focusses on a new concept for oligosaccharide synthesis based on 4-(pyridin-2-yl)thiazol-2-yl thioglycosides that can either act as effective glycosyl donors or can be deactivated by stable bidentate complexation with palladium(II) bromide.     

Constituents of holothuroidea. 10. Isolation and structure of a biologically active ganglioside molecular species from the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota

Three ganglioside molecular species, HLG-1 (1), HLG-2 (2), and HLG-3 (3) have been obtained from the lipid fraction of the chloroform/methanol extract of the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota. The structures of these gangliosides have been determined, on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence, as 1-O-[(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (1), 1-O-[(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->4)-(N-acetyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (2) and 1-O-[alpha-L-fucopyranosyl-(1-->11)-(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-neuraminosyl)-(2-->4)-(N-aetyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (3). The ceramide moieties were composed of heterogeneous phytosphingosine, sphingosine and 2-hydroxy fatty acid units. Compounds 2 and 3 represent new ganglioside molecular species. These three ganglioside molecular species showed neuritogenic activity toward the rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC-12 cell, in the presence of NGF (nerve growth factor).     

Constituents of Holothuroidea, 13. Structure of neuritogenic active ganglioside molecular species from the sea cucumber Stichopus chloronotus

Three ganglioside molecular species, SCG-1, SCG-2, and SCG-3, were obtained from the lipid fraction of the chloroform-methanol extract of the sea cucumber Stichopus chloronotus. On the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence, the structures of these gangliosides have been determined to be 1-O-[(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (SCG-1), 1-O-[8-O-sulfo(major)-(N-acetyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (SCG-2), and 1-O-[alpha-L-fucopyranosyl-(1-->11)-(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (SCG-3). The ceramide moieties were composed of heterogeneous long-chain base and fatty acid units. SCG-3 is the first type of ganglioside containing a fucopyranose in the sialosyl trisaccharide moiety. Moreover, these three gangliosides exhibited neuritogenic activity toward the rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells in the presence of nerve growth factor.     

Triterpene glycosides from the stems of Akebia quinata

The stems of Akebia quinata have been analyzed for their triterpene glycoside constituents, resulting in the isolation of six new triterpene glycosides, along with 19 known ones. On the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 2D NMR data, and chemical evidence, the structures of the new compounds were deter-mined to be 3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]olean-12-en-28-oic acid O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]olean-12-en-28-oic acid O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-23-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-23-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, 3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-29-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, and 3beta-[(O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl)oxy]-23,29-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, respectively. The main triterpene glycosides contained in the stems of A. quinata were found to have two sugar units at C-3 and C-28 of the aglycone in this study, whereas those of Akebia trifoliate were reported to possess one sugar unit at C-28 of the aglycone. It may be possible to distinguish between A. quinata and A. trifoliate chemically by comparing their triterpene glycoside constituents.     

Flavonoid constituents from Spiranthes australis LINDL

Chemical investigation of the whole plant of Spiranthes australis (R. BROWN) LINDL. resulted in the isolation and characterization of three new flavonoid constituents, 5-hydroxy-4'-[(2-isopentenyl)oxy]-3,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone (1), 3-O-[[O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-8-(p-hydroxy-benzyl)-kaempferol (2) and 3-O-[O-[2-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl-beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-8-(p-hydroxy-benzyl)-kaempferol (3), together with six known flavonoid compounds. The structures of new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including HR-ESI-MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR techniques and chemical methods.     

Constituents of Holothuroidea, 17. Isolation and structure of biologically active monosialo-gangliosides from the sea cucumber Cucumaria echinata

Three new monosialo-gangliosides, CEG-3 (3), CEG-4 (4), and CEG-5 (5), were obtained, together with two known gangliosides, SJG-1 (1) and CG-1 (2), from the lipid fraction of the chloroform/methanol extract of the sea cucumber Cucumaria echinata. The structures of the new gangliosides were determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence to be 1-O-[4-O-acetyl-alpha-L-fucopyranosyl-(1-->11)-(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (3) and 1-O-[alpha-L-fucopyranosyl-(1-->11)-(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (4, 5). The ceramide moieties of each compound were composed of heterogeneous sphingosine or phytosphingosine bases, and 2-hydroxy or nonhydroxylated fatty acid units. These gangliosides showed neuritogenic activity toward the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC-12 in the presence of nerve growth factor.     

Characterization of two minor saponins from Cordia piauhiensis by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy

A careful NMR analysis with full assignment of the 1H and 13C spectral data for two minor saponins isolated from stems of Cordia piauhiensis is reported. These saponins were isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography and characterized as 3beta-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]pomolic acid 28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (1) and 3beta-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (2). Their structures were established using a combination of 1D and 2D (1H, 1H-COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, gs-HMQC and gs-HMBC) NMR techniques, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and chemical evidence.     

Structure elucidation and complete NMR spectral assignments of two new dammarane-type tetraglycosides from Panax quinquefolium

Two new saponins were isolated from leaves of Panax quinquefolium and their structures were elucidated as 3beta, 12beta, 20S-trihydroxy-25-methoxydammar-23-ene 3-O-{[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 3beta, 20S-dihydroxy-12beta, 23R-epoxydammar-24-ene 3-O-{[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-[beta-D-xylopyanosyl(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) on the basis of (1)D and (2)D NMR (including (1)H, (13)C-NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, TOCSY, HMBC, and NOESY), ESI-MS spectrometry and chemical methods.     

Constituents of ophiuroidea. 1. Isolation and structure of three ganglioside molecular species from the brittle star Ophiocoma scolopendrina.

Three ganglioside molecular species, OSG-0 (1), OSG-1 (2), and OSG-2 (3) have been obtained from the polar lipid fraction of the chloroform/methanol extract of the brittle star Ophiocoma scolopendrina. The structures of these gangliosides have been determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence as 1-O-[(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (1), 1-O-[8-O-sulfo-(N-acetyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyll-ceramide (2) and 1-O-[(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->8)-(N-acetyl- and N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (3). The ceramide moieties were composed of heterogeneous unsubstituted fatty acid, 2-hydroxy fatty acid and phytosphingosine units. Compounds 2 and 3 represent new ganglioside molecular species.     

Norlanostane and lanostane glycosides from the bulbs of Chionodoxa luciliae and their cytotoxic activity

Ten lanostane glycosides (1-10), including two new norlanostane glycosides (2 and 7) and a new lanostane glycoside with a spirolactone ring system (9), were isolated from the fresh bulbs of Chionodoxa luciliae (Liliaceae). The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and the results of hydrolytic cleavage to be (23S)-3beta-[(O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-17alpha,23-epoxy-28,29-dihydroxy-27-norlanost-8-en-24-one (2), (23S)-17alpha,23-epoxy-29-hydroxy-3beta-[(O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-27-norlanost-8-ene-15,24-dione (7), and (23S,25R)-17alpha,23-epoxy-29-hydroxy-3beta-[(O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]lanost-8-en-23,26-olide (9), respectively. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds against HSC-2 human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells are also reported.     

Studies on absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism of ginseng saponins. V. The decomposition products of ginsenoside Rb2 in the large intestine of rats

The decomposition of ginsenoside Rb2 (Rb2) in the rat large intestine after oral administration was investigated in detail. A part of Rb2 was decomposed and six decomposition products (I-VI) were observed on thin-layer chromatogram. Among them, five products (I-V) were isolated, and identification of these compounds was done by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR). On the basis of 13C-NMR analysis, these compounds were identified as ginsenoside Rd (I), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20-O- [alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1----6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-20(S)- proto-panaxadiol (II), ginsenoside F2 (III), 20-O-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1----6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-20(S )- protopanaxadiol (IV), and compound K (V), respectively.     

Isolation and structure of monomethylated GM3-type ganglioside molecular species from the starfish Luidia maculata

Two monomethylated GM(3)-Type ganglioside molecular species, 1 and 2, have been obtained from the polar lipid fraction of the chloroform/methanol extract of the starfish Luidia maculata. The structures of these gangliosides have been determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence as 1-O-[8-O-methyl-(N-acetyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->3)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (1) and 1-O-[8-O-methyl-(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->3)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-ceramide (2). The ceramide moieties were composed of heterogeneous unsubstituted fatty acid, 2-hydroxy fatty acid, sphingosine and phytosphingosine units. Compound 1, designated as LMG-3, represents new ganglioside molecular species. Compound 2 was a known ganglioside molecular species.     

Secondary metabolites from the roots of Paronychia chionaea

Two novel secondary metabolites, compounds (1-2) were isolated from the roots of Paronychia chionaea. On the basis of spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR experiments (COSY, TOCSY, HSQC, and HMBC), and mass spectroscopy, their structures were established as 6-C-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-( 1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-7-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-luteolin 3'-methyl ether (1), and 2-(methoxy)-2-(3,5-dimethoxy 4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethane-1,2-diol 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2).     

Synthesis of saponins using partially protected glycosyl donors

[reaction: see text] A new class of glycosyl donors having unprotected 2- and 2,4-hydroxyl groups were investigated under the standard glycosylation conditions. This approach was shown to be generally effective for the synthesis of alkyl and steroidal glycosides. A natural saponin, containing 2,4-branched oligosaccharide, was prepared in 35% overall yield in four straightforward sequential reactions by taking advantage of these partially protected donors.     

Steroidal glycosides and aromatic compounds from Smilax riparia

Two new steroidal glycosides named riparosides A (1) and B (2), and two aromatic compounds (3, 4), together with four known flavonoid derivatives have been isolated from the EtOH extract of the rhizomes and roots of Smilax riparia A. DC. The structure of riparoside A (1) was determined to be 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 3beta,20alpha-dihydroxy-5alpha-furost-22(23)-ene 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Riparoside B (2) was characterized as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 3beta,16beta-dihydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one 16-O-[5-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 5-hydroxy-4-methyl-pentanoic acid]-ester 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. Compounds 3 and 4 were elucidated as a sucrosyl ferulic acid ester and 7-O-methyl-10-oxythymol gentiobioside, respectively.     

Synthesis and use of glycosyl phosphates as glycosyl donors

Differentially protected glycosyl phosphates prepared by a straightforward synthesis from glycal precursors are used as powerful glycosyl donors. Activation of beta-glycosyl phosphates by TMSOTf at -78 degrees C achieves the selective formation of beta-glycosidic linkages in excellent yields with complete stereoselectivity. Reaction with thiols results in the conversion of glycosyl phosphates into thioglycosides in nearly quantitative yield. An orthogonal coupling strategy using glycosyl phosphate donors and thioethyl glycoside acceptors allows for the rapid synthesis of a trisaccharide.     

Two new triterpenoid saponins isolated from Polygala japonica

Bioassay guided investigation of whole parts of Polygala japonica afforded two new triterpenoid saponins, characterized as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl medicagenic acid 28-O-{beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl} ester (1), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl 2-oxo-olean-12-en-23, 28-dioic acid 28-O-{beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl(1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl} ester (2), together with four known triterpenoid saponins (3-6). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Saponins 3, 4 and 5 showed significant anti-inflammation effects on carrageenan-induced acute paw edema in mouse.