Pregnane glycosides from Hoodia gordonii.

Hoodia gordonii is a 'weight loss' herb, which has gained popularity in the western countries as an appetite suppressant dietary supplement. Phytochemical study of its aerial parts led to isolation of seven pregnane glycosides (hoodigosides W-Z, hoodistanalosides A-B). Their structures were elucidated by chemical degradation studies and spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and CD spectroscopic methods.