Astragalosides from Egyptian Astragalus spinosus Vahl

Four cycloartane triterpene oligoglycosides were isolated from the n-butanol extract of the aerial parts of Astragalus spinosus Vahl. (Leguminosae). They were identified as astragaloside I (1), isoastragaloside I (2), astragaloside IV (4) and cycloastragenol 6-O-glucoside (5) on the basis of comparing their m.p.'s, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra and chromatographic patterns with the data given in the literature. The results of AIDS antiviral and antitumor screening of the major component, astragaloside II (3), are dealt with.