Synthesis and selective anticancer activity of steroidal glycoconjugates

► Steroidal 2-amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranoside derivatives were synthesized starting from steroidal sapogenins. ► Antiproliferative activity against CaSki, HeLa and ViBo cells is described. ► Proliferative potential on lymphocytes was not negatively affected. ► Cytotoxicity was tested in tumoral and healthy cells to demonstrate selectivity. ► The hydrochloride salt from diosgenin showed better activity than the N-acetylated analog.