Aim: To investigate the chemical constituents of the rhizomes of Beesia calthaefolia native to China in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of its effective components.
Methods: Compounds were isolated by column chromatography with silica gel. Their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis and chemical evidence. Compounds identified were subjected to pharmacological evaluation.
Results: Two novel compounds were isolated and identified as (20S, 24S)-15 alpha-acetoxy-16 beta, 24; 20, 24-diepoxy-9, 19-cyclolanostane-3 beta, 25-diol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (I) and (20S, 24R)-15 alpha-acetoxy-9, 19-cyclolanostane-3 beta, 16 beta, 20, 24, 25-pentaol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (II), named beesioside O and beesioside P.
Conclusion: Compounds I and II are new compounds. Compounds I exhibited immunosuppressive activity and could inhibit angiogenesis as well as inhibit the proliferation of osteoblast. Compound II displayed remarkable inhibition activity against calcium channel receptor.