Zygophylloside S, a New Triterpenoid Saponin from the Aerial Parts of Zygophyllum coccineum L.

Abstract

Saponins are a vast group of glycosides with a wide range of biological activities [1]. They are believed to form the main constituents of many plant drugs and folk medicines [2]. Their pharmacological importance has motivated us to contribute to the study of Zygophyllum coccineum L., an Egyptian desert plant rich in saponins. The present work led to the isolation of one new ursane type triterpenoid saponin (1), 3-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] quinovic acid (zygophylloside S), in addition to eight known saponins, one flavonoid glycoside, and one sterol glycoside from the aerial parts of the plant. The structures were established mainly by 1D and 2D NMR techniques, in combination with IR and HRMS. The anti-microbial, anti-malarial, and anti-leishmanial activity of the isolated compounds are in progress.