Biologically active triterpenoid saponins from Ardisia japonica.

Eleven new triterpenoid saponins, ardisianosides A (1), B (2), C (4), D (5), E (6), F (7), G (15), H (16), I (17), J (18), and K (19), together with 10 known saponins, were isolated from the whole plants of Ardisia japonica. The structures of the new saponins were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR and MS studies coupled with chemical degradations. The cytotoxic activities of saponins 1-21 are reported against three human cancer cell lines, namely, HL-60 myeloid leukemia, KATO-III stomach adenocarcinoma, and A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells.