Minor pregnanes from Caralluma adscendens var. gracilis and Caralluma pauciflora

Phytochemical investigation of Caralluma adscendens var. gracilis and Caralluma pauciflora (Asclepiadaceae) whole plant extracts allowed to isolate one pregnane glycoside and two pregnanes characterized as 12 beta,20-O-dibenzoy1-5a,6-dihydrosarcostin beta-oleandropyranosyl( 1 -> 4)-beta-cymaropyranosyl-(1 -> 4)-beta-digitoxypyranosyl-(1 -> 4)-beta-cymaropyranosyl(1.4)-beta-cymaropyranoside (1), 12 beta-0-benzoyl-3 beta,11 alpha,14 beta,20R-pentahydroxy-pregn-5-ene (2), and 11 alpha-O-benzoyl-3 beta,12 beta,14 beta,20R-pentahydroxy-pregn-5-ene (3), respectively. Their structural characterization was obtained on the basis of extensive NMR spectral studies. Three known pregnane glycosides along with lupeol and beta-sitosterol were also isolated and characterized.