Structure and bioactivity of steroidal saponins isolated from the roots of Chamaelirium luteum (false unicorn)

J Nat Prod. 2012 Aug 24;75(8):1469-79. doi: 10.1021/np300393y. Epub 2012 Aug 10.

Abstract

Phytochemical investigation of Chamaelirium luteum ("false unicorn") resulted in the isolation of 15 steroidal glycosides. Twelve of these (1, 2, 4-9, 11-13, and 15) are apparently unique to this species, and eight of these (6-9, 11-13, and 15) are previously unreported compounds; one (15) possesses a new steroidal aglycone. In addition, the absolute configuration of (23R,24S)-chiograsterol A (10) was defined, and its full spectroscopic characterization is reported for the first time. The structures and configurations of the saponins were determined using a combination of multistage mass spectrometry (MS(n)), 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and chemical degradation. The antiproliferative activity of nine compounds obtained in the present work, and eight related compounds generated in previous work, was compared in six human tumor cell lines, with aglycones 3 and 10 and related derivatives 16, 17, 19, and 20 all displaying significant antiproliferative activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Humans
  • Liliaceae / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Saponins / chemistry
  • Saponins / isolation & purification*
  • Saponins / pharmacology*
  • Steroids / chemistry
  • Steroids / isolation & purification*
  • Steroids / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Saponins
  • Steroids