C21 steroidal glycosides from Cynanchum stauntonii induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells

• Two new and three known C21 steroidal glycosides were isolated from Cynanchum stauntonii.
• Their structures were determined on the basis 1D and 2D-NMR spectrum.
• One compound showed high cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line via the caspase way.

Two new (1–2) and three known (3–5) C21 steroidal glycosides were isolated from Cynanchum stauntonii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic data as well as HRTOFMS analysis. The cytotoxicity of the compounds against A549, HepG2, and 4T1 cell lines were evaluated by MTT assay. Compound 4 exhibited good inhibitory activities with the IC50 values 26.82, 12.24, and 44.12 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 4 could induce G1 phase arrest, upregulate the expression levels of caspases-3, -9, and Bax, and downregulate the expression level of Bcl-2. These results indicated that compound 4 might be valuable to anticancer drug candidates.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide