Synthesis of the Cytotoxic Gitogenin 3β-<i>O</i>-[2-<i>O</i>-(α-l-Rhamnopyranosyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside] and its Congeners

Abstract

(25R)-5a-Spirostan-2a,3b-diol (gitogenin) 3β-O-[2-O-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside] (1), a cytotoxic spirostan saponin isolated from the underground parts of Hosta longipes (Liliaceae), was concisely synthesized. In this context, its congeners 2-4 were also prepared. All four compounds showed comparable potency to dioscin in inhibition against the growth of tumor cells.