Aculeoside A, a Novel Steroidal Saponin Containing a Deoxyaldoketose from Ruscus aculeatus.
A novel steroidal saponin, named aculeoside A, embracing a deoxyaldoketose, 6-deoxy-D-glycero-L-threo-4-hexosulose, was isolated from the underground parts of Ruscus aculeatus. The structure was determined by extensive 2D NMR analysis and hydrolysis. Aculeoside A was active as a cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor.