Four new dammarane triterpenoid saponins cypaliurusides Z1–Z4 (1–4) and eight known analogs (5–12) were isolated from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined using a comprehensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. The docking study demonstrated that compound 10 strongly bonded with PTP1B (a potential drug target for the treatment of type-II diabetes and obesity), hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions, verifying the importance of sugar unit. The effects of the isolates on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were evaluated and three dammarane triterpenoid saponins (6, 7 and 10) were found to enhance insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, compounds 6, 7, and 10 exhibited potent abilities to promote insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, the abundant dammarane triterpenoid saponins from C. paliurus leaves exhibited stimulatory effects on glucose uptake with application potential as a antidiabetic treatment.

Two new triterpenoid glucosides, Heritiera A (1) and Heritiera B (2), and six known triterpenoid analogs (3–8) were isolated from Heritiera littoralis Dryand. Their structures were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and comparisons with the literature. The anti-inflammatory activity of the isolates from H. littoralis was evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells model. The result showed that four triterpenoids exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity. Among these compounds, compound 2 substantially inhibits the release of nitric oxide (NO) with an IC50 value of 10.33 μM. The triterpenoids from H. littoralis could be used as potential candidates for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents.

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One previously undescribed tricyclo-diterpenoid saponin (1), one undescribed dammarane triterpenoid saponin (2) and four known triterpenoids (3)(4)(5)(6) were isolated from the aerial part of Isodon macrocalyx. Their structures were determined using 1D-and 2D-NMR, HRESIMS, and comparison of their spectroscopic data with previously reported data. The isolates were evaluated for their anti-HBV activity in vitro using the HBV transfected Hep G2.2.15 cell line.Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited moderate anti-HBV activity.