Four bioactive new steroids from the soft coral collected in South China Sea.

Four new polyhydroxylated steroids lobophysterols E-H (-), together with three known compounds (-), were isolated from the soft coral collected at Xisha Island, China. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with NMR data of structurally related compounds reported in the literature. The absolute configuration of - was determined by X-ray diffraction.

Targets and underlying mechanisms related to the sedative and hypnotic activities of saponins from L. (crassulaceae).

L. (Crassulaceae) are popularly used as a natural supplement for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Here, saponin extracts from were investigated for their roles on relieving sleeplessness.