Characterisation of four new triterpenoid saponins with nitric oxide inhibitory activity from aerial parts of .

Four new triterpenoid saponins (gouaniasides VII-IX [] and joazeiroside C []) and one known triterpenoid () were isolated from the aerial parts of DC. (Rhamnaceae). Their structures were elucidated via one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry, and analyses of hydrolytic cleavage results. The anti-inflammatory potential of compounds was evaluated according to their ability to inhibit the production of nitric oxide (NO) by RAW 264.7 macrophages. All compounds at noncytotoxic concentrations significantly inhibited NO production by macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner.