Tirucallane-type triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Sapindus mukorossi.

Six new tirucallane-type triterpenoid saponins, sapimukosides E-J (1-6) were isolated from the roots of Sapindus mukorossi GAERTN. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectral and chemical analysis.

New tirucallane-type triterpenoid saponins from Sapindus mukorossi Gaetn.

Two new tirucallane-type triterpenoid saponins, sapimukoside C (1) and sapimukoside D (2), have been isolated from the roots of Sapindus mukorossi Gaetn. Their structures have been determined, on the basis of spectral and chemical analysis, as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L- arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (21,23R)-epoxyl tirucalla-7,24-diene-(21S)-ethoxyl-3 beta-ol (1) and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)]- beta-D-glucopyranosyl (21,23R)-epoxyl tirucall-7,24-diene-(21S)-methoxyl-3 beta-ol (2).

An aqueous extract of Rubus chingii fruits protects primary rat hepatocytes against tert-butyl hydroperoxide induced oxidative stress.

Different in vitro free radical generating systems were used to assess the antioxidative activity of aqueous extracts of the five herbal components of Wu-zi-yan-zong-wan, a traditional Chinese medicinal formula with a long history of use for tonic effects. Fructus Rubi [Rubus chingii (Rosaceae) fruits] was found to be the most potent. It was further investigated using the primary rat hepatocyte system.