Abstract
The stems and leaves of Metaplexis japonica MAKINO were proved to contain glycoside mixture. The glycoside showed the Keller-Kiliani reaction, suggesting the presence of 2-desoxy-sugar. The sugar portion of the glycoside was found to be D-cymarose and D-digitoxose by paper partition chromatography when compared with the authentic specimen. Five kinds of crystal, such as crystal No, 1, m. p.194-196°, crystal No.2, m. p.248/154°, crystal No.3, m. p.234-237°, crystal No.4, m. p.245°, and crystal No.5, m. p.264°, were isolated by adsorption chromatography using alurnina, and partition chromatography over Celite as a carrier. Crystal No.2 was identified to be sarcostin by the mixed melting point determination and the paper chromatography.
