Synthesis of beta-hederin and Hederacolchiside A1: triterpenoid saponins bearing a unique cytotoxicity-inducing disaccharide moiety.

A facile synthetic approach toward oleanolic acid glycoside bearing alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl moiety, a unique oligosaccharide that strongly induces antitumor activity of oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, was developed. Based on this approach beta-hederin (oleanolic acid 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside) was efficiently prepared from oleanolic acid through stepwise glycosylation in linear eight steps with 52% overall yield, while Hederacolchiside A1 (oleanolic acid 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside) in linear 13 steps with 20% overall yield.