The high edible oil content of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge seeds contributes to its economic value. In this study, we analysed the barrigenol-like triterpenoids derived from X. sorbifolia husks. We also identified anti-tumour agents that could enhance the health benefits and medicinal value of X. sorbifolia. We isolated 10 barrigenol triterpenoids, including six new compounds (1-6) and four known compounds (7-10). New compounds 3 and 5 showed significant inhibitory activity against the proliferation of three human tumour cell lines, namely, HepG2, HCT-116 and U87-MG. We determined the relationship between the structures and inhibitory activity of 25 barrigenol triterpenoids and 15 penta-cyclic triterpenoids through analysis of three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationships (3D-QSAR). The isolation of novel barrigenol derivatives with anti-tumour activity from X. sorbifolia implied that husks of this plant may be a good source of anti-tumour agents.
Keywords: Antitumor activities; Barrigenol-type triterpenoid; CoMFA; CoMSIA; Health benefits; Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge.
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