A genuine triterpenoid saponin, platyconic acid A (1) was isolated from the roots extract of Platycodon grandiflorum, together with five known saponins: deapioplatycoside E (2), platycoside E (3), platycodin D(3) (4), platycodin D(2) (5) and platycodin D (6). The structure of 1 was determined on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical evidence.

This paper describes recent biosynthetic and enzymological studies from a number of laboratories and relates them to our current understanding of the pathways of carotenoid formation. A number of problems concerning phytoene biosynthesis and dehydrogenation are discussed and the work of our own laboratory on the biosynthesis of the triterpenoid carotenoids is reviewed.

Terpenoid synthases construct the carbon skeletons of tens of thousands of natural products. To predict functions and specificity of triterpenoid synthases, a mechanism-based, multi-intermediate docking approach is proposed. In addition to enzyme function prediction, other potential applications of the current approach, such as enzyme mechanistic studies and enzyme redesign by mutagenesis, are ...

Two new norlanostane-type triterpenoid glycosides and a new phenylpropanoid glycoside were isolated from the bulbs of Scilla scilloides DRUCE (Liliaceae), along with two known alkaloids. Their chemical structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data as well as chemical evidence.

Fig. 1. Positive reaction to Centella asiatica extract (1% and 5% pet.). phlebitis, cellulitis, and striae distensae (1). It is claimed to have actions on various phases of wound repair, stimulating extracellular matrix accumulation and collagen synthesis. Centella contains several active constituents, of which the most important are the triterpenoid saponins–asiaticoside, madecassoside, and as...

Ganoderma lucidum spores (GLS) constitute a healthy food for humans, but the hard spore shells are difficult to digest. In this study, digestive properties of GLS in different forms (sporoderm-unbroken, sporoderm-broken [SB-GLS] and sporoderm-removed [SR-GLS]) were investigated vitro digestion fermentation. After simulated digestion, morphologies all three changed slightly. gastric intestinal a...