Triterpene saponins from Chenopodium quinoa Willd.

Four triterpene saponins (1-4) from different parts of Chenopodium quinoa (flowers, fruits, seed coats, and seeds), together with sixteen known triterpene saponins (5-20) were isolated and their structures have been determined by 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS analysis. Triterpene saponins with aldehyde groups showed cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis.