Chemical constituents from the rhizomes of Paris xuefengshanensis

Five new steroidal saponins, xuefengshanosides A-E; one new stilbene trimer, xuefengshansin; and 16 known compounds were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris xuefengshanensis (Melanthiaceae). The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by MS and NMR data analyses, ECD calculations, and acidic hydrolysis experiments. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities of the selected compounds were evaluated. Ophiopogonin C', paris saponin I, paris saponin H, and paris saponin VII showed the most inhibitory activity against five human cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. Xuefengshansin showed weak cytotoxic and antibacterial activities. Paris saponin I was the most active compound against the five tested fungal strains. This species contains structurally diverse compounds that exhibit significant anticancer and antimicrobial activities, suggesting its potential for future development and utilization.