Highly oxygenated stigmastane-type steroids from the aerial parts of Vernonia anthelmintica Willd

Nine new highly oxygenated stigmastane-type steroids, vernoanthelcin A–I (1–9), and two new stigmastane-type steroidal glycosides, vernoantheloside A and B (10 and 11) were isolated from the aerial parts of Vernonia anthelmintica Willd. The structures of compounds 1–11 were determined on the basis of IR, MS, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR, and their absolute configurations were deduced using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and the CD exciton chirality method. Compounds 1, 5, 7, 9 and 10 were tested for their effects on estrogen biosynthesis in human ovarian granulosa-like cells (KGN cells).

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Eleven new stigmastane-type steroids were isolated from Vernonia anthelmintica Willd. ► Their highly oxygenated structures were determined by spectral analyses. ► The absolute configuration were deduced by X-ray diffraction study and CD method. ► Some compounds were tested for their effects on estrogen biosynthesis in KGN cells.