Analgesic and Antihepatotoxic Actions of Dianosides, Triterpenoid Saponins of Dianthus superbus var. longicalycinus Herb;

Abstract

The triterpenoid saponins isolated from the herbs of Dianthus superbus var. longicalycinus have been evaluated for analgesic and antihepatotoxic activities. The saponins of the gypsogenic acid series were more intensely analgesic than those of the dianic acid series. The efficacy of substances in the former series was potentiated by increased hydrophilic character. On the other hand, the aglycones elicited antihepatotoxic activity in a CCl₄-induced cytotoxicity assay, and this activity decreased as the number of hydroxyl groups increased. However, they mediated no appreciable antihepatotoxic activity in a GalN-induced cytotoxicity assay. This was probably due to concomitant cytotoxic activity caused by the substances themselves. No definite structure-activity relationship was found in the antihepatotoxic actions of the saponins.