Biologically active steroids from Digitalis Ciliata, Tribulus Terrestris and Yucca Gloriosa growing in Georgia

30 cardenolids have been isolated from D.ciliata – endemic plant widely distributed in Caucasus mountain ridge. D.ciliata is proposed as a natural source for Digitoxin and Acetyldigitoxin. Preparations Digicilen in ampoules and Digicil in tablets have been used in cardiology for years. The seeds of D.ciliata are rich source of biochemical reagent Digitonin. The method of obtaining of Digitonin is patented in England, Switzerland and Germany. Steroidal glycosides from seeds exhibit antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity.

Tribusponin – the remedy containing steroidal glycosides from T.terrestris – is successfully used for treatment/prophylaxis of atherosclerosis and as a herbal anabolic. Due to its rich chemical composition Tribusponin is superior to other preparations from T.terrestris.

Tigogenin from the leaves of Y.gloriosa has been transformed into acetate-5α-androsterone and acetate-5α-pregnenolone – initial compounds for the synthesis of hormonal drugs on the basis of 5α steroids. Tigogenin has been considered as a cost-effective raw and plantations of Y.gloriosa have been established in eastern Georgia.

Tens of steroidal glycosides have been isolated from different parts of Y.gloriosa, including 18 new furo-, spiro- and cholestanols. Fungicidal agent Gloriofucin is prepared from the spirostanol glycosides of the leaves. Presowing processing of seeds or spraying saplings with low concentrations (2–5mg/l) of allelochemical Alexin from the flowers increases crop capacity of agricultures by 22–60% and makes it possible to obtain ecologically clean production.

5 new stereoisomeric stilbenes with rare spiro structure – Gloriosaols have been isolated from the roots, barks of rhizomes and stems of Y.gloriosa. Gloriosaols showed high antioxidant, antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities.