Absorbable phenylpropenoyl sucroses from Polygala tenuifolia.

Three phenylpropenoyl sucroses--sibiricose A5, A6 and 3',6-disinapoyl sucrose--were isolated from the 30% EtOH extract of Polygala tenuifolia, which displayed antidepressant-like action. HPLC analysis indicated that the three phenylpropenoyl sucroses could be absorbed into serum. From the serum pharmacochemistry point of view, these three phenylpropenoyl sucroses might prevent or relieve depression.