Structure–activity relationship of lupane-triterpene glycosides from Acanthopanax koreanum on spleen lymphocyte IL-2 and IFN-γ

Phytochemical investigation resulted in the isolation of three new lupane-triterpene glycosides acankoreosides M–O (1, 2 and 8) together with eight known lupane-triterpene glycosides (3–7, 9–11) from the leaves of Acanthopanax koreanum (Araliaceae). Their chemical structures were elucidated by mass, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The effect of eleven lupane-triterpene glycosides on Con A-induced splenolytic production of IL-2 and IFN-γ were measured as markers of acquired immune responses. Compounds 4, 5, 7, and 11 (5, 25, and 100 μM) significantly increased IFN-γ and IL-2 release in spleen cells.