Four novel triterpenoid saponins, dianchinenosides E, F, G and H have
been isolated from the aerial parts of Dianthus chinensis L. Dianchine
nosides E and F, G and H are diastereomers with the only difference be
ing in the stereochemistry of the 1,2-propanediol residues esterified
to the C-23 of their aglycones. Their structures including the absolut
e configuration of the 1,2-propanediol fragments were established by s
pectral and chemical evidence as well as chiral HPLC analysis.