Saponins with neuroprotective effects from the roots of Pulsatilla cernua.

Four new oleanene-type triterpenoid saponins together with six known saponins were isolated from the roots of Pulsatilla cernua and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, including 2D NMR spectra and chemical evidence. Among these one of the aglycones (gypsogenin) is reported for the first time from this genus. Some of these compounds showed significant neuroprotective effects against the cytotoxicity induced by β-amyloid25–35 (Aβ25–35) on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.