Cytotoxic cholestane-type and ergostane-type steroids from the aerial parts of Euphorbia altotibetic

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of the Euphorbia altotibetic PAULS. Grown in China resulted in the isolation of three new cholestane-type and three new ergostane-type steroids (cholest-5-en-2β, 4β-diol; cholest-5-en-1β, 4β-diol; cholest-5-en-1α, 3β, 4α -triol; (22E)-ergosta-7,9,22-trien- 3β-ol β-d-glucoside ; 5α-methoxy-(22E)-ergosta-7,9,22-trien-3β-ol β-d-glucoside ; 6β- methoxy-(22E)-ergosta-7,9,22-trien-3β-ol β-d-glucoside), along with seven known compounds. Their structures were established by extensive one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, as well as other spectrum and chemical analysis. The isolated new steroids exhibited potent anti-tumor activity against the HeLa cell and Hep-G2 cell with the 50% inhibiting concentration values ranging from 1.9 to 9.2 μg/mL.

Graphical abstractPhytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of the Euphorbia altotibetic PAULS. grown in China resulted in the isolation of three new cholestane and three new ergostane-type steroids. The isolated new steroids exhibited potent anti-tumor activity against the Hela cell and Hep-6 cell.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Three new cholestane and three new ergostane-type steroids were isolated. ► The new steroids exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against HeLa and Hep-6 cell. ► It is the first report of in vitro cytotoxicity of steroids from Euphorbia altotibetic. ► The research deepens the understanding of chemical composition of Euphorbia plant.