Triterpenoid saponins with anti-inflammatory activity from Codonopsis lanceolata.

Six triterpenoid saponins, including a new compound named codonolaside III, were isolated from the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata. The spectral and chemical data revealed the structure of codonolaside III to be 3- O-[ beta- D-xylopyranosyl -(1-->3)- beta- D-glucuronopyranosyl]-3 beta,16 alpha-dihydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid 28- O-[ beta- D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha- L-rhamnpyranosyl-(1-->2)][ beta- D-glucopyranosyl -(1-->4)]- alpha- L-arabinopyranosyl ester. The xylene-induced mouse ear edema inhibitory effect assay disclosed codonolaside and codonolasides I - III as the major anti-inflammatory constituents in this crude drug.