Hypoglycemic activity of some triterpenoid glycosides

Four triterpenoid glycosides isolated from the rhizomes of Polygala senega var. latifolia, senegins II-IV (1-3) and desmethoxysenegin II (4), were tested for hypoglycemic activity in normal and KK-Ay mice. Compounds 1 and 2 reduced the blood glucose of normal mice 4 h after intraperitoneal administration and also significantly lowered the glucose level of KK-Ay mice under similar conditions. Compounds 3 and 4, as well as senegose A (5), an oligosaccharide ester, were inactive when tested against normal mice.