Triterpenoid saponins from the root bark of Schima superba and their cytotoxic activity on B16 melanoma cell line

Abstract Eight new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, schisusaponins A-H, along with eight known triterpenoid saponins, were isolated from the root bark of Schima superb (Theaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. The cytotoxicity of the new compounds against B16 melanoma cells was assessed. Among the isolated new saponins, schisusaponins C and E showed more potent effects (with IC 50 values of 10.08 and 10.89 μM) than vinblastine (with an IC 50 value of 19.48 μM).