CHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE SAPOGENINS OF SHAO-NIAN-HONG (ARDISIA ALYXIAEFOLIA TSIANG)

A triterpene saponin, possessing action of inhibiting production of IgE in rabbits, was isolated from Shao-Nian-Hong (Ardisia alyxiaefolia Tsiang). After hydrolysis, two triterpene sapogenins were obtained from the saponin. Based on comparisons of melting points, spectrometric data and properties of derivatives, they were identified as. cyclamiretin D and A. The latter was shown to be the protosapogenin of the triterpene saponin.