Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory steroidal saponins from Dracaena ombet.

Two new steroidal saponins, namely (25R)-5beta-spirostan-3-beta-ol 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1'''-->4'')-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1''-->3')-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), and (25R)-5beta-spirostan-3-beta-ol 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1'''-->4'')-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1''-->3')-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), together with six known constituents, have been isolated from the leaves of Dracaena ombet Kotschy & Peyr. (Dracaenaceae). The structures of the two saponins were established by chemical and physicochemical analyses, including FAB- and HR-ESI-MS and 2D NMR. The fraction rich in saponins showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities (at a high dose of 30 mg/kg b.w.) and non-significant antiulcer activities at the same doses.