Identification and structural characterization of steroidal glycosides in Hoodia gordonii by ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Electrospray ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-TOFMS) were used to identify and characterize eight C-21 steroidal glycosides in Hoodia gordonii. A generalized fragmentation pathway was proposed by comparing the spectra acquired for eight C-21 steroidal glycosides. The steroidal glycosides in Hoodia gordonii have been classified into two major core groups: hoodigenin A and calogenin. Using the ESI-TOF method, the major core peak ions generated by hoodigenin A glycosides are m/z 313 and 295 and by calogenin glycosides are m/z 479, 461, 299 and 281, respectively. In the MS/MS spectra, fragmentation reactions of the [M+Na](+) ion were recorded to provide structural information about the glycosyl and aglycone moieties. The data illustrates the ability of positive mode ESI for the identification of hoodigenin A and calogenin glycosides, including the nature of the hoodigenin A and calogenin core, the number of sugar residues and the type of saccharide moiety.     

Identification of C-21 steroidal glycosides from the roots of Cynanchum chekiangense by high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) was used to identify C-21 steroidal glycosides with immunological activities in roots of Cynanchum chekiangense. In the MS/MS spectra, fragmentation reactions of the [M + Na]⁺ were recorded to provide structural information about the glycosyl and aglycone moieties. To further confirm the fragments structures, off-line Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance tandem mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS/MS) was also performed. In the study, four known steroidal glycosides cynascyroside C, chekiangensosides A and B, glaucoside H, and four novel steroidal glycosides chekiangensosides C, D, E and chekiangensoside A isomer were identified based on mass spectral data, NMR spectral data and standards. This is the first report on identifying steroidal glycosides in roots of C. chekiangense by HPLC/ESI-MS/MS directly, which could save time and material consuming efforts in traditional phytochemistry analysis.     

Analysis of variations in the contents of steroidal saponins in Fructus Tribuli during stir-frying treatment

Just as natural saponins transform into aglycones, secondary glycosides and their derivatives using biotransformation technology, steroidal saponins may also undergo similar transformation after stir-frying. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the variations and the reasons for these variations in the contents of steroidal saponins in Fructus Tribuli (FT) during a stir-frying treatment. Stir-fried FT was processed in different time–temperature conditions. An UHPLC–MS/MS method was established and fully validated for quantitative analysis. In addition, the simulation processing products of tribuluside A, terrestroside B, terrestrosin K, terrestrosin D and 25R-tribulosin were determined by qualitative analysis using UHPLC–Q-TOF–MS. The established UHPLC–MS/MS method provides a rapid, flexible, and reliable method for the quality assessment of FT. The present study revealed that furostanol saponins with a C22-OH group could transform into corresponding furostanol saponins with a C-20–C-22 double bond (FSDB) via dehydroxylation. Additionally, FSDB could be successively converted into its secondary glycosides via a deglycosylation reaction. The transformation of spirostanol saponins into corresponding aglycones via deglycosylation led to a decrease in spirostanol saponins and an increase in aglycones. The results of this research provided scientific evidence of variation and structural transformation among steroidal saponins. These findings might be helpful for elucidating the processing mechanism of FT.     

New C(28) steroidal glycosides from Tubocapsicum anomalum

Three new C(28) steroidal glycosides, isotubocaposides A (1), B (2), and C (3), were isolated from the fruits of Tubocapsicum anomalum MAKINO. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction analysis of p-bromobenzoyl derivative (5) of isotubocaposigenin (4), the sapogenol derivative of these three glycosides. Isotubocaposides have the structural peculiarity of an unusual side chain carrying a C-21 bound to C-24 on the lactone ring.     

New C(28) steroidal glycosides from Tubocapsicum anomalum

Two new C(28) steroidal glycosides, tuboanosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the fruit of Tubocapsicum anomalum MAKINO. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction analysis of the p-bromobenzoyl derivative (4) of tuboanosigenin (3), the sapogenol derivative of these two glycosides. Tuboanosides have the structural peculiarity of an unusual side chain carrying an unusual linkage with a C-21 bound to C-25 on the lactone ring.     

Three new steroidal saponins from Helleborus thibetanus

Three new steroidal saponins including two spirostanol glycosides (1–2) and one furostanol glycoside 1-sulphate (3) were isolated from the dried roots and rhizomes of Helleborus thibetanus. Structures of the compounds were determined on the basis of extensive use of 1-D and 2-D NMR experiments, together with HR–ESI–MS and IR measurements, as well as the results of acid hydrolysis. Compounds 1–2 represented steroidal saponins with an unusual substitution pattern, which possessed a double bond at C-25 and were glycosylated at 1-OH.     

A short convergent synthesis of the side chains of brassinolide,cathasterone, and cryptolide

A new approach to steroidal derivatives of the campestane series, containing the 22α-hydroxy-, 22α,23α-dihydroxy-, and 22α-hydroxy-23-ketone moieties characteristic of brassinolide and its congeners, has been developed. The key step is the coupling of a steroidal C-22 aldehyde with an anion derived from a specially synthesized thioacetal-containing chiral synthon. The cathasterone and cryptolide side chains are prepared by reductive or hydrolytic thioketal removal, respectively. The brassinolide side chain is obtained by DIBAL-H reduction of the TBS-protected 22α-hydroxy-23-ketone.     

Hypochlorite-mediated fragmentation of hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfates, and related N-acetyl glycosamines: evidence for chloramide intermediates, free radical transfer reactions, and site-specific fragmentation

Myeloperoxidase released from activated phagocytes reacts with H(2)O(2) in the presence of chloride ions to give hypochlorous acid. This oxidant has been implicated in the fragmentation of glycosaminoglycans, such as hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfates. In this study it is shown that reaction of HOCl with glycosaminoglycans and model compounds yields chloramides derived from the N-acetyl function of the glycosamine rings. The results of EPR spin trapping and product studies are consistent with the formation of amidyl radicals from these chloramides via both metal ion-dependent and -independent processes. In the case of glycosaminoglycan-derived amidyl radicals, evidence has been obtained in studies with model glycosides that these radicals undergo rapid intramolecular abstraction reactions to give carbon-centered radicals at C-2 on the N-acetyl glycosamine rings (via a 1,2-hydrogen atom shift) and at C-4 on the neighboring uronic acid residues (via 1,5-hydrogen atom shifts). The C-4 carbon-centered radicals, and analogous species derived from model glycosides, undergo pH-independent beta-scission reactions that result in glycosidic bond cleavage. With N-acetyl glucosamine C-1 alkyl glycosides, product formation via this mechanism is near quantitative with respect to chloramide loss. Analogous reactions with the glycosaminoglycans result in selective fragmentation at disaccharide intervals, as evidenced by the formation of "ladders" on gels; this selectivity is less marked under atmospheric oxygen concentrations than under anoxic conditions, due to competing peroxyl radical reactions. As the extracellular matrix plays a key role in mediating cell adhesion, growth, activation, and signaling, such HOCl-mediated glycosaminoglycan fragmentation may play a key role in disease progression and resolution, with the resulting fragments modulating the magnitude and quality of the immune response in inflammatory conditions.     

Metabolism of tomato steroidal glycosides in humans

Pregnane glycosides have been isolated in small amounts, along with the major components furostanol and spirostanol glycosides, from Dioscoreaceae, Taccaceae, and Solanaceae, suggesting that pregnane glycosides might be biosynthesized from furostanol and spirostanol glycosides. Recently, commercial natural foods composed of diosgenin have been used for the treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis and premenstrual syndrome in women. It is anticipated that diosgenin would be metabolized into a type of steroidal hormone, for instance progesterone, however, this metabolism has not been confirmed. Therefore, we have examined the metabolites in the urine of subjects who ingested tomatoes, which contain a considerable amount of the steroidal glycoside esculeoside A. The occurrence of steroidal hormones in the metabolites has been recognized. It has been proven that when a steroidal glycoside is administered, it is partly metabolized into a type of steroidal hormone exhibiting various physiological activities.     

Tomato new sapogenols, isoesculeogenin A and esculeogenin B

Two novel sapogenols, isoesculeogenin A (1) and esculeogenin B (2) of steroidal alkaloid glycosides, lycoperoside F and esculeoside B, respectively, isolated from the ripe tomato have been characterized as (5alpha,22R,23R,25S)-3beta,23,27-trihydroxyspirosolane and (5alpha,22S,23R,25S)-22,26-epimino-16beta,23-epoxy-3beta,23,27-trihydroxycholestane, respectively.     

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.     

Chromatographic behaviour of steroidal saponins studied by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

The chromatographic behaviour of steroidal saponins found in Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Asparagus officinalis, Convallaria majalis, Digitalis purpurea and Ruscus aculeatus was studied by HPLC-MS using a C-18 reversed-phase column and aqueous acetonitrile or aqueous methanol mobile phase gradients, with or without the addition of 1% acetic acid. The behaviour was compared to that of triterpene saponins found in Aesculus hippocastanum, Centella asiatica, Panax notoginseng and Potentilla tormentilla. Inclusion of methanol in the mobile phase under acidic conditions was found to cause furostanol saponins hydroxylated at C-22 to chromatograph as broad peaks, whereas the peak shapes of the spirostanol saponins and triterpene saponins studied remained acceptable. In aqueous methanol mobile phases without the addition of acid, furostanol saponins chromatographed with good peak shape, but each C-22 hydroxylated furostanol saponin was accompanied by a second chromatographic peak identified as its C-22 methyl ether. Methanolic extracts analysed in non-acidified aqueous acetonitrile mobile phases also resolved pairs of C-22 hydroxy and C-22 methoxy furostanol saponins. The C-22 methyl ether of deglucoruscoside was found to convert to deglucoruscoside during chromatography in acidified aqueous acetonitrile, or by dissolving in water. Poor chromatography of furostanol saponins in acidified aqueous methanol is due to the interconversion of the C-22 hydroxy and C-22 methoxy forms. It is recommended that initial analysis of saponins by HPLC-MS using a C-18 stationary phase is performed using acidified aqueous acetonitrile mobile phase gradients. The existence of naturally-occurring furostanol saponins methoxylated at C-22 can be investigated with aqueous acetonitrile mobile phases and avoiding methanol in the extraction solvent.     

Steroidal alkaloid glycosides, esculeosides C and D, from the ripe fruit of cherry tomato

Two new steroidal alkaloid glycosides, esculeosides C and D, have been isolated from the ripe fruit of Cherry tomato [Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme (DUNAL) ALEF.], along with three known steroidal alkaloid glycosides, esculeoside A, esculeoiside B, and lycoperoside G. Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data.     

Polyphosphoric acid trimethylsilyl ester promoted intramolecular acylation of an olefin by a carboxylic acid: convenient construction of C-18-functionalized delta14-hecogenin acetate

[reaction: see text]. Polyphosphoric acid trimethylsilyl ester (PPSE)-promoted intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reactions on a nonaromatic carboxylic acid system have been investigated. Studies led to the synthesis of C-18 functionalized steroidal compounds 5 and 9a-d with strict retention of the spiroketals. Isomerization of spiroketal 9e was studied.     

Structures of two new steroidal glycosides, soladulcosides A and B from Solanum dulcamara

The structures of two new steroidal glycosides named soladulcosides A and B, isolated from the aerial parts of Solanum dulcamara including new sapogenols, were elucidated as (22R, 25R)-3 beta, 15 alpha, 23 alpha-trihydroxy-5 alpha-spirostan-26-one 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (22R, 25R)-3 beta,23 alpha-dihydroxy-5 alpha-spirostan-26-one 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----2)-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----4)]- beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively.     

Ionic hydrogenation-directed stereoselective construction of C-20(H) stereogenic center in steroid side chains: Scope and limitations

Stereoselective synthesis of steroidal C-20 tertiary alcohols with n-butyl, vinyl, furyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, aryl and pyridyl side chains via Grignard reaction or organolithium reagents have been realized starting from readily available 16-dehydropregnenolone acetate. The ionic hydrogenation of steroidal C-20 tertiary alcohols having furyl, methylfuryl, thienyl, phenyl and 4-methoxyphenyl side chains, resulted into the deoxygenated product with C-20 natural configuration in excellent yields. However, the alkyl, thiazolyl and pyridyl incorporated steroidal C-20 tertiary alcohols were failed under the same reaction condition. The scope of ionic hydrogenation is further highlighted through the stereoselective reduction of steroidal C-20,21-ene compounds with furyl, thienyl and 4-methoxyphenyl side chains gave the saturated compounds with C-20 natural configuration.     

Characterization of chemical components of Periplocae Cortex and their metabolites in rats using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Periplocae Cortex, named Xiang-Jia-Pi in China, has been widely used to treat autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. However, the in vivo substances of Periplocae Cortex remain unknown yet. In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for profiling the chemical components and related metabolites of Periplocae Cortex. A total of 98 constituents were identified or tentatively characterized in Periplocae Cortex: 42 C21 steroidal glycosides, 10 cardiac glycosides, 23 organic acids, 4 aldehydes, 7 triterpenes, and 12 other types. Among them, 18 components were unambiguously identified by comparison with reference standards. In addition, 176 related xenobiotics (34 prototypes and 142 metabolites) were screened out and characterized in rats’ biosamples (plasma, urine, bile, and feces) after the oral administration of Periplocae Cortex. Moreover, the metabolic fate of periplocoside S-4a, a C21 steroidal glycoside, was proposed for the first time. In summary, phase II reactions (methylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation), phase I reactions (hydrolysis reactions, oxygenation, and reduction), and their combinations were the predominant metabolic reactions of Periplocae Cortex in rat. It is the first report to reveal the in vivo substances and metabolism feature of Periplocae Cortex. This study also provided meaningful information for further pharmacodynamics study of Periplocae Cortex, as well as its quality control research.     

The substrate specificity of a glucoamylase with steroidal saponin-rhamnosidase activity from Curvularia lunata

In previous work, we studied and reported that an enzyme from Curvularia lunata 3.4381 had the novel specificity to hydrolyze the terminal rhamnosyl at C-3 position of steroidal saponin and obtained four transformed products; the enzyme was purified and ascertained as glucoamylase (EC 3.2.1.3 GA). In this work, the enzyme exhibiting steroidal saponin-rhamnosidase activity was systematically studied on 21 steroidal saponins and 6 ginsenosides. The results showed that the α-1,2-linked end-rhamnosyl residues at C-3 position of steroidal saponins could be hydrolyzed to corresponding secondary steroidal saponins, among which 18 compounds were isolated and identified, including 3 new secondary compounds. For the furostanosides having glucosyl residues at the C-26 position, hydrolysis occurred first at end-rhamnosyl at C-3 position to produce secondary furostanosides. The reaction of hydrolyzing glucosyl at C-26 position depended considerably on longer reaction times yielding the corresponding secondary spirostanosides (without rhamnosyl and glucosyl residues). The enzyme had the strict specificity for the terminal α-1,2-linked rhamnosyl residues of linear chain, or the terminal α-1,2-linked rhamnosyl residues with branched chain of 1,4-linked glycosyl residues of sugar chain at C-3 position of steroidal saponins, it was not specific for different aglycones, different glycons, and the number of glycon of sugar chain of steroidal saponin. The end-rhamnosyl of ginsenosides and p-nitrophenyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (pNPR) could not be hydrolyzed by the enzyme from C. lunata.     

Two New Steroidal Glycosides from Ophiopogon japonicus

The tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus Ker-Gawl. is recorded to have various functions, such as against cardiovascular diseases and anti-bacteria, and used as a potent drug to treat different diseases, especially heart diseases1. Since the first steriodal glycoside was isolated from the plant by Japanese scholars2, much attention has been paid to the studies of the chemical components of O. japonicus in recent decades. Steroidal glycosides as the major glycosides with the aglycones of ruscogenin …     

Stereoselective synthesis of 2-deoxy-2-iodo-glycosides from furanoses. A new route to 2-deoxy-glycosides and 2-deoxy-oligosaccharides of ribo and xylo configuration

[reaction: see text] A general procedure for the stereoselective synthesis of 2-deoxy-2-iodo-hexo- and -hepto-pyranosyl glycosides from furanoses is reported. The proposed methodology provides a new route for accessing 2-deoxy-oligosaccharides. The procedure involves three reactions: Wittig-Horner olefination to give alkenyl sulfanyl derivatives, electrophilic iodine-induced cyclization to give phenyl 2-deoxy-2-iodo-1-thio-hexo-glycosides, and glycosylation. Protected furanoses 1, 3, and 6-11, which include examples of the four possible isomeric configurations of furanoses, were reacted with diphenyl phenylsulfanylmethyl phosphine oxide to give the alkenyl sulfanyl derivatives 2, 4, and 12-16. The iodine-induced cyclization of these compounds afforded the phenyl 2-deoxy-2-iodo-1-thio-glycosides 18, 20, and 22-27 with practically complete regio- and stereoselectivity. Products of 6-endo cyclization, in which the iodine at C-2 was in a cis relationship with the alkoxy at C-3, were almost exclusively produced. Better yields were obtained for compounds with a ribo or xylo configuration than for compounds with other configurations. Compounds 18, 20, and 22-27 were found to be efficient glycosyl donors in the glycosylation of cholesterol and glucopyranoside 29a, affording the corresponding 2-deoxy-2-iodo-glycosides and 2-deoxy-2-iodo-oligosaccharides with good yields and stereoselectivities. The glycosydic bond in the major isomers was always trans to the iodine at C-2.