A immunosuppressive triterpenoid saponin from the stems of Epigynum griffithianum.

Chemical investigation of the stems of Epigunum griffithianum led to the isolation and identification of a new triterpenoid saponin (1) and two known compounds (epigynosides A (2) and B (3)). These structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D NMR, MS, UV, IR) as well as comparison with the reported data. Compound 1 was evaluated in vitro for the immunosuppressive activities on proliferation of mice splenocyte and displayed significant immunosuppressive activities compared to the positive control (dexamethasone) with the concentration at 25 μM.