Bidesmoside triterpenoid glycosides from Stauntonia chinensis and relationship to anti-inflammation

Twelve bidesmoside triterpenoid glycosides were isolated from a TCM “Ye Mu Gua” (Stauntonia chinensis), including two known ones. The effects on inflammation factor-release (nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-6) of the glycosides and the related aglycone, hederagenin, were evaluated in vitro to help explain the clinical applications of “Ye Mu Gua” for its anti-inflammatory effects. A “traditional medicine's prodrug characteristic” conception is proposed.