The Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge husks were known for their abundant triterpenoids resource, which contributed to many bioactivities, such as antitumor, antiinflammatory and neuroprotection. The present study has led to the purification of a new triterpenoid saponin, 21β-O-acetyl-xanthohuskiside A (1), together with six known barrigenol derivatives (2-7), whose structures were authenticated on the basis of NMR, HR-MS, IR spectrum and acid hydrolysis experiment. Compound 7 showed more noteworthy cytotoxicity towards three human tumour cell lines (HCT-116, HepG-2 and U87-MG) than other compounds.
Keywords: 16-deoxybarringtogenol C; Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge; carbohydrate chain; cytotoxicity.