Phytochemistry. 2002 Sep; 61(1): 73-8.

Spirostanol saponins from the rhizomes of Tacca chantrieri and their cytotoxic activity.

Yokosuka A, Mimaki Y, Sashida Y.

Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Science, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, 1432-1, Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.

The rhizomes of Tacca chantrieri have been analysed for steroidal saponin constituents, resulting in the isolation of four new spirostanol saponins (1-4), along with one known saponin (5); their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 2D NMR, and the results of hydrolytic cleavage. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells.Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.