Saponins from root cultures of phytolacca acinosa

Twelve triterpene saponins were detected (by TLC) in root cultures of Phytolacca acinosa. Seven were isolated in 0.5–1 g quantities and identified by TLC, 13C, 1H NMR and mass spectra. Among these, esculentoside B, S, A and H, and phytolaccoside F have been detected previously in roots or leaves of P. acinosa and/or P. americana: phytolaccoside F (3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-phytolaccagenic acid) has been identified for the first time in P. acinosa. Esculentoside L1 (3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-phytolaccagenic acid) is an isomer of the earlier described esculentoside L, having an altered linkage of the sugar moiety. Esculentoside R has been isolated for the first time. It has been identified as a bidesmoside of phytolaccoside F with an additional glucose, ester glycosidic linked with C-28.