Studies on the constituents of Momordica charantia L. I. Isolation and characterization of momordicosides A and B, glycosides of a pentahydroxy-cucurbitane triterpene.

Abstract

Two triterpene glycosides, momordicosides A and B, were isolated from the seeds of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence and by X-ray analysis as the 3-O-β-gentiobioside and 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl (1→4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside, respectively, of cucurbit-5-ene-3β, 22(S), 23(R), 24(R), 25-pentaol.