Steroidal saponin components and their cancer cell cytotoxicity from Paris rugosa

The chemical components and availability of Paris rugosa were investigated for the first time, using a UPLC-MS/MS-based molecular networking strategy and phytochemical research. Ultimately, eleven undescribed steroidal saponins, parisrugosides A-K, and ten known analogs were identified. Their structures were confirmed using comprehensive spectroscopic data and chemical methods. The aglycones of parisrugosides A-D are first spirostanes with an epoxy group at C-5/C-6, a hydroxy group at C-7, and a double bond at C-8/C-9 or C-8/C-14. Parisrugosides G and H possess an undescribed spirostane aglycone with two double bonds located at C-5/C-6 and C-8/C-9, which are conjugated with a carbonyl group at C-7. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines (human HL-60 leukemia, A549 lung, MCF-7 breast, SMMC-7721 liver, and SW480 colon solid cancer cell lines). Parisyunnanoside D, kingianoside K, and dichotomin displayed significant cytotoxicity against these cancer lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.50 to 19.58 μM.