Three new noroleanane-type triterpenes from the roots of Pfaffia glomerata.

The Amaranthaceae plant, Pfaffia glomerata, which is so-called as Brazil ginseng, is widely distributed in South American countries. Three new noroleanane-type triterpenes and four known oleanane-type triterpenes were isolated from the roots of P. glomerata. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Their effects on melanogenesis were also reported.