Eranthisaponins A and B, two new bisdesmosidic triterpene saponins from the tubers of Eranthis cilicica.

The present investigation aimed at the glycoside constituents of the tubers of Eranthis cilicica has resulted in the isolation of two new bisdesmosidic triterpene saponins based upon hederagenin, named eranthisaponins A (1) and B (2), along with four known triterpene saponins. The structures of the new saponins 1 and 2 were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR data, and acid hydrolysis followed by chromatographic analysis. This is the first report concerning the secondary metabolites of E. cilicica.