Eight new cycloartane triterpenoids from Beesia calthifolia with hepatoprotective effects against d-galactosamine induced L02 cell damage

Fourteen 20,24-epoxy-cycloartane triterpenoids, including eight new ones (1–8), were isolated from 95% ethanol extract of the rhizomes of Beesia calthifolia. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods, especially 2D NMR and HRMS techniques. Among them, four new compounds (1–4) possess carbonyl groups at C-16, which were rarely found in cycloartane triterpenoids from this genus. Relative configuration at C-12 in beesioside III (9) and its aglycone (10) was revised to be 12α-OH rather than the reported 12β-OH. Some of the compounds showed potential hepatoprotective activities against human hepatic L02 cell damage induced by d-galactosamine.

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