METHODS AND RESULTS:
The roots of Cephalaria ambrosioides yielded a new triterpene, 6alpha-hydroxyhederagenic acid ( 1), in addition to the known triterpene hederagenic acid ( 2) and four corresponding saponins, leontoside A (or akeboside Stb) ( 3), kalopanax saponin A (or alpha-hederin) ( 4), saponin PG (or sapindoside B) ( 5), and dipsacoside B ( 6). Their structures have been elucidated on the basis of their spectral data (MS, 1 D and 2 D NMR) and by some chemical transformations. The extract and all isolated compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial, molluscicidal and IN VITRO cytotoxic activities.
CONCLUSIONS:
All compounds showed strong antimicrobial activity (MIC values 1.80 - 2.50 microg/mL), with 5 and 6 exhibiting activities comparable to those of standard antibiotics. Moreover, compounds 3 - 5 were active against all assayed cancer cell lines, whereas compounds 3 and 4 exhibited higher activities against Biomphalaria Glabrata snails, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 5.4 and 6.2 microg/mL, respectively. |