A dihydrochalcone derivative and further steroidal saponins from Sansevieria trifasciata Prain.

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Sansevieria trifasciata, one of the most common Dracaenaceae plants, has resulted in the isolation of a new dihydrochalcone derivative named trifasciatine C (1), four previously unreported steroidal saponins as two pairs of inseparable regioisomers: trifasciatosides K/L (2/3), M/N (4/5), together with the known 1,2-(dipalmitoyl)-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosylglycerol (6), aconitic acid (7), and 1-methyl aconitic acid (8). Their structures were elucidated mainly by extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance) and high-resolution electronspray ionization-mass spectrometry, as well as chemical methods and comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds. Compounds 2/3 and 4/5 were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity on Hela cells, and no significant effect was observed.