Structures of Momordicines I, II And III, the Bitter Principles in the Leaves and Vines of Momordica Charantia L

Abstract

The bitter principles in the leaves and vines of Momordica charan-tia L. (Cucurbitaceae), momordicines I, C3OH48O4H2O’ and II, C36H58O9’ were isolated and their structures were elucidated as 3β,7β,23ξ-trihy-droxy-cucurbita-5,24-dien-19-al and its 23-O-β-glucopyranoside, respec-tively. The structure of momordicine III, which was isolated as its ace-tate, C48H68O16•1/2H2O,is indicated to be a 23-O-β-glucopyranoside of 3β, 7β, 23ξ-trihydroxy-24-oxo-cucurbita-5,25-dien-19-al by the spectral and chemical evidence. © 1984, The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.