Abstract
Seven triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the seeds of Akebia quinata DECNE. (Lardizabalaceae). The less polar three of them, tentatively named saponins A (mp 228-229° (decomp.), [α]D +49°), B (mp 249.5-250.5° (decomp.), [α]D +37°) and C (mp 248-250° (decomp.), [α]D +40°), were characterized as hederagenin 3-O-glycosides ; α-L-arabinopyranoside (IX), β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside (VII) and β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside (I), respectively. Saponin B is the first one ever reported.
