Steroidal sapogenins and glycosides from the fibrous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus and Liriope spicata var. prolifera with anti-inflammatory activity.

Two new steroidal glycosides (1 and 2), together with 15 known compounds (3-17) were isolated from the fibrous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus, and three new steroidal glycosides (18-20), together with 14 known compounds (21-34) were isolated from the fibrous roots of Liriope spicata var. prolifera. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive one-dimensional (1D)- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analyses and mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Most of these steroidal glycosides showed significant inhibitory activity against neutrophil respiratory burst stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate.