Anti-inflammatory Furostanol Saponins from the Rhizomes of Smilax China L

Seven new furostanol saponins (1-7), chongrenosides A-G, were isolated from the rhizomes of Smilax china L, together with nine known furostanol saponins (8-16). The structures of the new furostanol saponins (1-7) were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analyses (1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS) and chemical evidence. Compounds 1-6 and 8-16 were evaluated for TNF-alpha mRNA expression inhibitory activity on LPS induced RAW264.7 cells. Of them, 1, 4, 6, and 11 inhibited the TNF-a mRNA expression by 88%, 87%, 67%, and 93%, respectively, at the concentration of 10 mu M.