Steroidal constituents from the underground parts of Reineckea carnea and their inhibitory activity on cAMP phosphodiesterase.

Phytochemical analysis of the underground parts of Reineckea carnea resulted in the finding of twelve steroidal constituents, five of which appeared to be new compounds and one to be the first isolation from a natural source. The identification and structural determination of the steroidal compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis and hydrolysis. The isolated saponins were evaluated for inhibitory activity on cAMP phosphodiesterase as a primary screening test to find new medicinal materials.