Chemistry, ₁₃C-NMR Study and Pharmacology of Two Saponins from Colubrina asiatica

Abstract

From the leaves of Colubrina asiatica BRONGEN (Rhamnaceae) two saponins have been isolated and structurally elucidated, mainly by ¹³C-NMR-spectroscopic methods, as jujubogenin-3-O-[2-O-acetyl-3-O-(3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-4-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-α-L-arabinoside] (colubrinoside) and jujubogenin-3-O- [2-O-acetyl -3-O- (2-O- β -D- xylopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-α-L-arabinoside] (colubrin) respectively. Both saponins inhibit the spontaneous motility of mice, even at low doses (1 mg/ kg), they show an antagonistic effect on amphetamine and exert a synergistic activity on chlordiazepoxide.

Key Word Index

Colubrina asiatica - Rhamnaceae - Dammarane-type Saponins - Jujubogenin - Triglycosides - NMR, Relaxation - Sedative activity

3 From the thesis S. OTT, Munich 1980.

4 Dr. MORTON (Collectanea, Miami, Coral Gables).