Structure and absolute configuration of methyl (3R)-malonyl-(13S)-hydroxycheilanth-17-en-19-oate, a sesterterpene derivative from the roots of Aletris farinosa.

We report the isolation and structure elucidation of a new cheilanthane sesterterpene from the roots of Aletris farinosa that possesses an unusual malonate half-ester functional group. The structure of 1 was determined via mass spectrometry and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while its absolute configuration was determined via X-ray crystallographic analysis performed on its methyl ester derivative 2.

Steroidal saponins from the roots of Smilax sp.: structure and bioactivity.

Phytochemical characterization of a commercial herb sample supplied as Smilax ornata Lem. (sarsaparilla) led to the isolation of five steroidal saponins, including two new furostanol saponins sarsaparilloside B (1) and sarsaparilloside C (2), whose structures were elucidated via a combination of multistage mass spectrometry (MS(n)), 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and chemical degradation. The previously unreported spectroscopic characterization of sarsaparilloside (3), Δ(20(22))-sarsaparilloside (4), and parillin (5) is also provided.