Steroidal Constituents from the Roots and Stems of Asclepias fruiticosa

Abstract

Steroidal constituents from the roots and stems of Asclepias fruticosa L. were investigated separately. From the roots, twelve pregnane pentaosides and uzarigenin β-sophoroside were isolated together with three known coroglaucigenin and corotoxigenin glycosides. Pregnane glycosides were composed of ikemagenin or kidjolanin as an aglycone, and D-digitoxose, D-cymarose, D-oleandrose and terminal D-glucose as component sugars. Among the constitutents from the stems, cardenolides show a similar pattern to those from the leaves. 17α-Hydroxycalactin and 17α-hydroxyafroside were newly obtained along with known doubly linked and normally linked glycosides. Two pregnane glycosides and uzarigenin β-sophoroside obtained from the roots were also isolated.