A phytochemical study on the leaves of Cordyline stricta yielded four
new spirostanol saponins, three new furostanol saponins and a new preg
nane glucoside. The structures were determined by detailed analysis of
their H-1 and C-13 NMR spectra, acid-catalysed hydrolysis and by comp
arison with spectral data of known compounds. Each of the isolated ste
roidal compounds contained a 3 alpha-hydroxyl group bearing a glucose
as the common structural feature. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.