Advances in Structural Elucidation of Glucuronide Oleanane-Type Triterpene Carboxylic Acid 3,28-O-Bisdesmosides (1962-1997)

The structural elucidation of glucuronide oleanane-type triterpene carboxylic acid 3,28-O-bisdesmosides (GOTCAB) is quite complicated compared to that of other saponins. In order to determine their structures, it is common to use chemical, enzymatic and spectral methods simultaneously. This review will discuss newer chemical, enzymatic and spectral means, compare structural study strategies in different periods, and summarize main characteristics of NMR spectral data, then propose a systematic method used in their structural elucidation. A compilation of glucuronide oleanane-type triterpene carboxylic acid 3,28-O-bisdesmosides isolated during 1962-1997 along with their occurrence, structural data and bioactivity is included. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.