Steroidal saponins with induced platelet aggregation activity from the aerial parts of Paris verticillata

• Four new steroidal saponins were isolated and elucidated by extensive NMR experiments.
• The aglycone of compound 1 is a new spirostane.
• Selected saponins were evaluated for induced platelet aggregation activity.
• Compound 5 showed 62% maximal platelet aggregation rate at the concentration of 300 μg/mL.

In order to utilize and protect the resources of Rhizoma Paridis rationally, we carried out a phytochemical investigation on the non-medicinal (aerial) parts of Paris verticillata that led to the isolation of fifteen steroidal saponins. Among them, three are new spirostanol saponins, named parisverticosides A–C (1–3), as well as one new cholestane glycoside, named parisverticoside D (4). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and acid hydrolysis. The aglycone of compound 1 is a new spirostane and identified as (23S,24S,25S)-spirost-5-en-1β,3β,23, 24-tetraol. The selected isolates were evaluated for induced platelet aggregation activity and compound 5 showed 62% maximal platelet aggregation rate at the concentration of 300 μg/mL.