New Saponins from Phytolacca dodecandra l'H ERIT

Three bidesmosidic saponins (1–3) have been isolated from the methanolic extract of the berries of Phytolacca dodecandra l'HERIT (Phytolaccaceae) by a combination of rotation locular counter‐current chromatography and column chromatography on reversed phase (RP‐8) With MeOH/H2O. The structures have been established by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FAB‐MS, and D/CI‐MS, as well as on the basis of acidic and basic hydrolyses. The monodesmosidic saponins 1a–3a obtained after partial hydrolysis with a base exhibit strong molluscicidal activity against the schistosomiasis‐transmitting snail Biomphalaria glabrata. Saponins 1–3, 1a, and 3a are reported for the first time, whereas 2a has been identified previously in the aqueous extract of P. dodecandra berries.