Steroidal saponins from rhizome of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis and their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic effects

Five undescribed compounds, including two cholestane glycosides parispolyosides A and E, and three spirostanol glycosides parispolyosides B-D, were isolated from rhizome of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara, together with twenty-one known steroidal saponins. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR, as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic data. Two of these compounds demonstrated potent inhibitory effect on NO production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in raw 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 61.35 μM and 37.23 μM. Four compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against HepG2 cells with IC50 values ranging from 9.43 to 24.54 μM. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the potential mechanism of NO inhibition by the active compounds was associated with the interactions with iNOS protein.