Steroidal saponins from the tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus

Eight novel steroidal saponins, ophiopogonins H–O (1–8), along with seven known steroidal saponins (9–15) were isolated from the tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus. The structures of these new compounds were determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR data, and the analysis of hydrolytic reaction products. For the first time, rare furostanol saponins with disaccharide moiety linked at position C-26 of the aglycone were reported to be isolated from a natural source.

Graphical abstractEight new steroidal saponins, ophiopogonins H–O (1–8), along with seven known steroidal saponins were isolated from the tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus. Their structures were determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR data, and the result of hydrolytic reaction. For the first time, rare furostanol saponins with disaccharide moiety linked at position C-26 of the aglycone were reported to be isolated from a natural source.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Eight new steroidal saponins were isolated from the tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus. ► Their structures were elucidated by HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR data, and chemical methods. ► The chemical structures with the disaccharide moiety linked at C-26 are rare in nature.