Medicinal Flowers. XV. The Structures of Noroleanane- and Oleanane-Type Triterpene Oligoglycosides with Gastroprotective and Platelet Aggregation Activities from Flower Buds of Camellia japonica

Chemometric guided isolation of new triterpenoid saponins as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from seeds of Achyranthes bidentata Blume

Achyranthes bidentata Blume (Amaranthaceae) is an annual or perennial herb widely used as ethnomedicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating fever, cold, ulcers, mensural pain, dementia, and osteoporosis. In the current study, UPLC-IM-Q-TOF-MS/MS-based chemometric approach was adopted for the tentative identification of fifty-six compounds in the extract and fractions of A.bidentata seeds. Further, the chemometric-guided isolation led to the isolation of two previously undescribed oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, named achyranosides A-B (27 and 30), along with three known compounds (31, 44, and 23) from water fraction of A. bidentata seeds. The structures of new compounds were elucidated based on the detailed analysis of NMR, HR-ESI-MS, FT-IR spectral data, and GC-FID techniques. The isolated compounds in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity revealed the promising activity of chikusetsusaponin IVa (23) (IC50 = 63.7 μM) with mixed type of AChE inhibition in enzyme kinetic studies. Additionally, in silico binding free energy of isolated compounds disclosed the greater stability of enzyme-ligand complex owing to underlying multiple H-bond interactions. Overall, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of a chemometric-guided approach for the phytochemical exploration and isolation of new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins from A. bidentata seeds.

Enrichment process, structural prediction, isolation, in vitro cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of triterpenoid saponins in Camellia japonica L. leaves water extract through UPLC-Q-TOF based mass spectrometry similarity networking

Camellia japonica L. is rich in bioactive compounds, but its health-enhancing potential is often overshadowed by its ornamental value. Notably, triterpenoid saponins are prominent due to their surfactant properties. MolNetEnhancer revealed 537 compounds in C. japonica leaves water extract, classified into 32 categories, including 38 triterpenoid saponins. To enrich triterpenoid saponins, the process of D101 resin chromatography was employed. Molecular networking analysis based on UPLC-Q-TOF and quantitative analysis based on HPLC revealed saponins concentrated in fractions 3 and 4 (68.3% transfer). MS2LDA and NAP predicted structures for 38 triterpenoid saponins, revealing nearly half of them are potential new compounds. Comprehensive chromatographic and spectroscopic methods were used for purification and structural illustration of triterpenoid saponins, yielding 13, including 7 new compounds. Statistical analysis and in vitro assays revealed the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities of these triterpenoid saponins played a crucial role in the anticancer effects.

Therapeutic and cosmeceutical role of glycosylated natural products in dermatology

Natural products (NPs) remain the primary source of pharmacologically active candidates for drug discovery. Since time immemorial, NPs have attracted considerable attention because of their beneficial skin effects. Moreover, there has been a great interest in using such products for the cosmetics industry in the past few decades, bridging the gap between modern and traditional medicine. Terpenoids, Steroids, and Flavonoids having glycosidic attachment have proven biological effects with a positive impact on human health. NPs derived glycosides are mainly found in fruits, vegetables, and plants, and most of them have a special reverence in traditional and modern medicine for disease prevention and treatment. A literature review was performed using scientific journals, Google scholar, Scifinder, PubMED, and Google patents. These scientific articles, documents, and patents establish the significance of glycosidic NPs in the areas of dermatology. Considering the human inclination to the usage of NPs rather than synthetic or inorganic drugs (especially in the area of skin care), in the present review we have discussed the worth of NP glycosides in beauty care and skin-related therapeutics and the mechanistic pathways involved.

Camellia japonica: A phytochemical perspective and current applications facing its industrial exploitation

In response to the increased popularity of medicinal plants, a number of conservation groups are recommending the investigation on poorly characterized and widely distributed species, as it is the case of camellias. In particular, Camellia japonica L. is a widespread species found in Galicia (NW Spain), where it has been largely exploited with ornamental purposes. Recent findings on its phytochemical characterization showed thousands of bioactive ingredients, mostly represented by phenolic compounds, together with terpenoids, and fatty acids. These molecules present associated biological activities, acting as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agents. This review is aimed at describing the main bioactive compounds of C. japonica, as well as the health-enhancing properties attributed to this medicinal plant. Novel strategies are needed to implement an efficient industrialization process for C. japonica, ranging from small-scale approaches to the establishment of large plantations, thus involving important sectors, such as the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Camellia japonica diminishes acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by attenuating oxidative stress in mice

This experiment was to explore the possible defensive properties and potential molecular mechanisms of Camellia japonica (CJ) against APAP-stimulated acute liver failure (ALF) in mice. In this study, we investigated the effects of CJ on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Mice were orally treated with CJ before or after challenge with APAP. Both pretreatment and post-treatment with CJ attenuated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, as confirmed by significantly reduced serum toxicity biomarkers and improved hepatic pathological damage. Pretreatment with CJ drastically decreased the rise of hepatic inflammatory cytokines levels and weakened neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, pretreatment with CJ dramatically decreased the levels of hepatic oxidative stress markers such as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) expression and rescued the reduced hepatic level of GSH caused by APAP overdose. Additionally, CJ pretreatment markedly attenuated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activation, transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in the liver. The present study thus reveals that CJ attenuated APAP-induced ALF by inhibiting COX-2 activation, NF-κB, and JNK phosphorylation and activating the AMPK signaling pathway.

Separation of nine novel triterpene saponins from Camellia japonica seeds using high-performance countercurrent chromatography and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

INTRODUCTION

Camellia japonica L. (Theaceae) is an evergreen shrub, which is cultivated as a popular ornamental tree in Korea, China, and Japan and its seeds have been used as a source of cooking oil, in cosmetics and as a traditional medicine. Intensive phytochemical works have revealed that oleanane-type saponins are the characteristic compounds of the seeds of C. japonica.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study is to isolate and determine oleanane-type saponins from C. japonica using high-performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) coupled with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and spectroscopic evidences, respectively.

METHODOLOGY

HPLC electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF-MS) was applied to profile the saponin composition of an enriched saponin extract of C. japonica seeds. The enriched saponin extract was separated by HPCCC using a dichloromethane/methanol/isopropanol/water (9:6:1:4, v/v/v/v) system and RP-HPLC. The structures of the isolates were determined utilising ESI-Q-TOF-MS, one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR and optical rotation.

RESULTS

HPCCC on enriched saponin extract of C. japonica yielded four saponin fractions in the order of the number of sugars attached to the triterpene aglycone, and preparative RP-HPLC on each saponin fraction led to the isolation of nine novel saponins, namely camoreoside A-I, along with six known ones.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that combination of HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analysis and HPCCC coupled with RP-HPLC are excellent tools for discovering saponins from natural sources.

Triterpenoid saponins from the genus Camellia: structures, biological activities, and molecular simulation for structure–activity relationship

This review summarizes the isolation, chemical identification, and biochemical activities of Camellia triterpenoid saponins, updating a previous review and encompassing all new studies through September 2017.

Identification of the biologically active constituents of Camellia japonica leaf and anti-hyperuricemic effect in vitro and in vivo

Camellia japonica L. is a plant of which the seeds are used as a folk medicine, and it is native to South Korea, Japan and China. In previous study, triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins and fatty acids which have antiviral, antioxidant and anti inflammatory activity were reported from C. japonica leaf and flower. In Korea, the seed from this plant is used as a traditional medicine and in folk remedies for the treatment of bleeding and inflammation. However, the major issue associated with the use of the seed as a medicinal and/or functional food ingredient is its application to the pharmaceutical and food industry. First, the productivity of seed extract is very much less than that of the leaf. Second, the beneficial usage of the seed extract as an alternative medicine and functional source is not yet clear. Thus, in this study, we focused on another part of the plant, the leaf, and found that the extract of Camellia japonica leaf has a high concentration of vitamin E, rutin and other biologically active compounds related to hyperuricemia. We aimed to investigate the biological activities, namely the antioxidant activities, xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity and anti‑hyperuricemic effects of extract from C. japonica leaf and the phytochemicals contained therein. Ethanol extracts of C. japonica leaf (ECJL) were prepared, and the extract was used with respect to antioxidant activities, total phenolic contents and XO inhibitory activity. The in vivo XO inhibitory activity and anti‑hyperuricemic effects of the extract were evaluated in mice with potassium oxonate‑induced hyperuricemia. To clarify the marker compounds that are responsible for the anti‑hyperuricemic effects, several key constituents were identified using gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) and and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). ECJL was found to have strong antioxidant activities, and in vitro XO inhibitory activity. The results of the in vivo experiments using mice demonstrated that ECJL at the doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg inhibited hepatic XO activity and significantly attenuated hyperuricemia. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report on the XO inhibitory and anti-hyperuricemic effects of ECJL, which can be therapeutically applied in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout.

Triterpene saponins and megastigmane glucosides from Camellia bugiamapensis

Two new triterpene saponins, camelliosides I and J (1 and 2), two new megastigmane glycosides, camellistigosides A and B (3 and 4), and two known megastigmane glycosides, icariside B₁ (5) and (6S,9R)-roseoside (6), were isolated from a methanol extract of the Camellia bugiamapensis leaves using various chromatographic separation techniques. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses, including HR ESI MS, CD, 1D and 2D NMR. Their inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells were evaluated. This is the first report of the chemical constituents and biological activity of C. bugiamapensis.

Oleanane triterpenes from the flowers of Camellia japonica inhibit porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) replication

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infections have resulted in a severe economic loss in the swine industry in many countries due to no effective treatment approach. Fifteen oleanane triterpenes (1-15), including nine new ones (1-4 and 10-14), were isolated from the flowers of Camellia japonica, and their molecular structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods. These compounds were evaluated for their antiviral activity against PEDV replication, and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) were discussed. Compounds 6, 9, 11, and 13 showed most potent inhibitory effects on PEDV replication. They were found to inhibit PEDV genes encoding GP6 nucleocapsid, GP2 spike, and GP5 membrane protein synthesis based on RT-PCR data. Western blot analysis also demonstrated their inhibitory effects on PEDV GP6 nucleocapsid and GP2 spike protein synthesis during viral replication. The present study suggested the potential of compounds 6, 9, 11, and 13 as promising scaffolds for treating PEDV infection via inhibiting viral replication.

Oleanane triterpenes as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors from Camellia japonica

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) plays a key role in metabolic signaling, thereby making it an exciting drug target for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Besides, there is substantial evidence that shows its overexpression is involved in breast cancer, which suggests that selective PTP1B inhibition might be effective in breast cancer treatment. As part of our continuous research on PTP1B inhibitors from medicinal plants, four oleanane-type triterpenes were isolated from an EtOAc-soluble extract of fruit peels of Camellia japonica (Theaceae), together with 6 previously known compounds of this class. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis (UV, IR, (1)H and (13)CNMR, HMBC, HSQC, NOESY, and MS). All isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on PTP1B, as well as their cytotoxic effects against human breast cancer cell lines MCF7, MCF7/ADR, and MDA-MB-231. Several compounds with OH-3 or/and COOH-28 functionalities showed strong PTP1B inhibitory activity (IC50 values ranging from 3.77±0.11 to 6.40±0.81 μM) as well as significant cytotoxicity (IC50 values ranging from 0.51±0.05 to 13.55±1.44 μM).

Alkaloid constituents from flower buds and leaves of sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaeaceae) with melanogenesis inhibitory activity in B16 melanoma cells

Methanolic extracts from the flower buds and leaves of sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaeaceae) were found to show inhibitory effects on melanogenesis in theophylline-stimulated murine B16 melanoma 4A5 cells. From the methanolic extracts, a new alkaloid, N-methylasimilobine N-oxide, was isolated together with eleven benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. The absolute stereostructure of the new alkaloid was determined from chemical and physicochemical evidence. Among the constituents isolated, nuciferine, N-methylasimilobine, (-)-lirinidine, and 2-hydroxy-1-methoxy-6a,7-dehydroaporphine showed potent inhibition of melanogenesis. Comparison of the inhibitory activities of synthetic related alkaloids facilitated characterization of the structure-activity relationships of aporphine- and benzylisoquinoline-type alkaloids. In addition, 3-30 μM nuciferine and N-methylasimilobine inhibited the expression of tyrosinase mRNA, 3-30 μM N-methylasimilobine inhibited the expression of TRP-1 mRNA, and 10-30 μM nuciferine inhibited the expression of TRP-2 mRNA.

Melanogenesis inhibitory and fibroblast proliferation accelerating effects of noroleanane- and oleanane-type triterpene oligoglycosides from the flower buds of Camellia japonica

A 28-noroleanane-type triterpene oligoglycoside, camellioside E (4), an oleanane-type triterpene oligoglycoside, camellioside F (5), and the known compounds camelliosides A (1) and D (3) were isolated from a 50% EtOH extract of Camellia japonica flower buds from Korea. The principal constituents (1 and 5) significantly inhibited melanogenesis in theophylline-stimulated B16 melanoma 4A5 cells. Camellioside B (2), a major constituent of C. japonica grown in Japan, showed potent inhibition of melanogenesis [95.0 ± 1.0% (p < 0.01) at 20 μM]. The inhibitory effects of 1, 2, and 5 were stronger than that of the reference compound, arbutin. We believe the melanogenesis inhibitory effects of 2 and 5 are partly related to the proliferation inhibitory effects in B16 melanoma 4A5 cells. Conversely, camelliosides tended to enhance proliferation in normal human neonatal skin fibroblasts. Interestingly, camellioside B (2) significantly accelerated fibroblast proliferation. This biological selectivity could make camellioside B useful for treating skin disorders. Herein, we report the first scientific investigation of a triterpene that displays an inhibitory effect on melanogenesis, but that also has an enhancing effect on fibroblast proliferation.

¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of the triacylglyceride composition of cold-pressed oil from Camellia japonica

Camellia japonica (CJ) has oil-rich seeds, but the study of these oils has received little attention and has mainly focused only on their health properties. In the present work the relative composition of the fatty acid (FA) components of the triglycerides in cold-pressed oil from CJ is studied by ¹H-NMR. The results obtained were: 75.75%, 6.0%, 0.17% and 18.67%, for oleic, linoleic, linolenic and saturated FA respectively. Levels of C₁₈ unsaturated FA found in CJ oil were similar to those reported for olive oils. We also checked the possibility of using ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy; however, the results confirmed the drawback of ¹³C over ¹H-NMR for the study of FA components of CJ triglycerides due to its low gyromagnetic ratio and its very low natural abundance.

Two new nortriterpenoid saponins from Salicornia bigelovii Torr. and their cytotoxic activity

Investigation of characteristic constituents of Salicornia bigelovii Torr. led to isolation of two new 30-nortriterpenoid glycosides, Bigelovii A (1), Bigelovii B (2), together with two known 30-nortriterpenoid glycosides 3-4 and three known oleanane-type triterpenoid glycosides 5-7. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR, and MS spectroscopic analysis, and chemical evidences. All compounds were isolated for the first time from Chenopodiaceae. Thus compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and compouds 1, 3 showed moderate activity against four cell lines, HL-60 (promyelocytic leukemia), MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), HepG2 (liver carcinoma) and A549 (lung carcinoma), with IC(50) values of 6.18, 78.08, 13.64 and >100μM for 1; 31.87, >100, ~100, >100μM for 3, respectively.

Triterpenes and neolignans from the roots of Nannoglottis carpesioides

Seven oleanane-type triterpenes and two 8-O-4'-neolignans, along with five known compounds (three 28-noroleanane-type triterpenes, one sarratane triterpene, and one neolignan), were isolated from roots of Nannoglottis carpesioides. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS, and CD. The absolute configurations of two triterpenes were determined by experimental and calculated circular dichroism (CD) and optical rotation values. Ten compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human promyelocytic leukaemia (HL-60) and human hepatoma (Hep-G2) cells using the MTT assay. The antioxidant activities of these compounds were assessed by ABTS radical-scavenging assays. Among the tested compounds, three compounds exhibited moderate radical-scavenging activity against ABTS·⁺, with IC₅₀ values of 22.4, 17.4, and 23.2 μM, respectively.

Antioxidant effects of the ethanol extract from flower of Camellia japonica via scavenging of reactive oxygen species and induction of antioxidant enzymes

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of the ethanol extract of the flower of Camellia japonica (Camellia extract). Camellia extract exhibited 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity in human HaCaT keratinocytes. In addition, Camellia extract scavenged superoxide anion generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase and hydroxyl radical generated by the Fenton reaction (FeSO₄ + H₂O₂) in a cell-free system, which was detected by electron spin resonance spectrometry. Furthermore, Camellia extract increased the protein expressions and activity of cellular antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. These results suggest that Camellia extract exhibits antioxidant properties by scavenging ROS and enhancing antioxidant enzymes. Camellia extract contained quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercitrin and kaempferol, which are antioxidant compounds.

28-nor-oleanane-type triterpene saponins from Camellia japonica and their inhibitory activity on LPS-induced NO production in macrophage RAW264.7 cells

Four new 28-nor-oleanane-type triterpene oligoglycosides, camellenodiol 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→2)[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (2), camellenodiol 3-O-4''-O-acetyl-β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→2)[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (4), camellenodiol 3-O-(β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→2)[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→3)]-6'-methoxy-β-D- glucuronopyranoside (5), and maragenin II 3-O-(β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→2)[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→3)]-6'-methoxy-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (6), along with two known compounds, (1 and 3), were isolated from the stem bark of Camellia japonica. Their chemical structures were established mainly by 2D NMR techniques and mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds showed inhibitory effects on NO production in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Acylated oleanane-type triterpene saponins with acceleration of gastrointestinal transit and inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase from flower buds of chinese tea plant (Camellia sinensis)

The MeOH extract and its BuOH-soluble fraction (crude saponin fraction) from the flower buds of Chinese tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. KUNTZE; Fujian Province) were found to exhibit accelerating effects on gastrointestinal transit in mice and inhibitory effects against pancreatic lipase. From the BuOH-soluble fraction, three new acylated oleanane-type triterpene oligoglycosides, chakasaponins I, II, and III (1-3, resp.), were isolated together with 13 known compounds. The chemical structures 1-3 were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Compounds 1-3 showed accelerating effects on gastrointestinal transit in mice and inhibitory effects against porcine pancreatic lipase (IC(50)=150-530 microM).

Chemical constituents from seeds of Panax ginseng: structure of new dammarane-type triterpene ketone, panaxadione, and hplc comparisons of seeds and flesh

A new dammarane-type triterpene ketone, panaxadione, was isolated from the seeds of Panax ginseng C. A. MEYER (Araliaceae) together with two dammarane-type and lupane-type triterpenes, an aromatic oligoglycoside, three sterol glycosides, and three dammarane-type triterpene oligoglycosides (ginsenosides Rd, Re, and Rg(2)). The structure of a new compound was elucidated on the basis of physicochemical evidence. The relative contents of major ginsenosides in the seeds were compared with those of the flesh parts of young and mature fruits.

Medicinal flowers. XXIV. Chemical structures and hepatoprotective effects of constituents from flowers of Hedychium coronarium

The 80% aqueous acetone extract from the flowers of Hedychium coronarium was found to show a protective effect on D-galactosamine-induced cytotoxicity in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes. On the other hand, two new labdane-type diterpene glycosides, coronalactosides I (1) and II (2), and a new labdane-type trinorditerpene, coronadiene (3), were isolated together with 8 known compounds from the extracts, which were obtained with chloroform and 80% aqueous acetone from the flowers of H. coronarium. The structures of new constituents were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. In addition, the principal constituents, coronaririn C and 15-hydroxylabda-8(17),11,13-trien-16,15-olide, displayed hepatoprotective effects, which were stronger than that of the hepatoprotective agent, silybin.

Natural Products as Gastroprotective and Antiulcer Agents: Recent Developments

Peptic ulcer, one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by ulceration in the regions of the upper gastrointestinal tract where parietal cells are found and where they secrete hydrochloric acid and pepsin. The anatomical sites where ulcer occurs commonly are stomach and duodenum, causing gastric and duodenal ulcer, respectively. Physiopathology of ulcer is due to an imbalance between aggressive factors, such as acid, pepsin, Helicobacter pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and local mucosal defensive factors, such as mucus bicarbonate, blood flow and prostaglandins. Several drugs are widely used to prevent or treat gastro-duodenal ulcers. These include H2-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors and cytoprotectives. Due to problems associated with recurrence after treatment, there is therefore the need to seek alternative drug sources against ulcers. In recent years, a widespread search has been launched to identify new gastroprotective drugs from natural sources. The aim of the present review is to highlight the recent advances in current knowledge on natural products as gastroprotective and antiulcer agents and consider the future perspectives for the use of these compounds.

Medicinal flowers. XVII. New dammarane-type triterpene glycosides from flower buds of American ginseng, Panax quinquefolium L

Five new dammarane-type triterpene glycosides, floralquinquenosides A, B, C, D, and E, were isolated from the flower buds of American ginseng, Panax quinquefolium L., together with 18 known dammarane-type triterpene glycosides and 3 flavonoid glycosides. The structures of new floralquinquenosides were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence.

Medicinal flowers. XVI. New dammarane-type triterpene tetraglycosides and gastroprotective principles from flower buds of Panax ginseng

The oligoglycoside fraction from the flower buds of Panax ginseng C. A. MEYER (Araliaceae) was found to show protective effects on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats. From the oligoglycoside fraction, new dammarane-type triterpene tetraglycosides, floralginsenosides M, N, O, and P, were isolated together with the major oligoglycosides ginsenoside Rd and Re. The structures of the new floralginsenosides were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Ginsenoside Rd (protopanaxadiol 3,20-O-bisdesmoside) exhibited inhibitory effects on ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats.