Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
O-rha(2-1)ara
p
H
H
OMe
glc-D-
β
-O
O
O
H
MeO
O19
Eleutheroside B
1
O18
Eleutheroside K
CO
2
H
OMe
OEt
O-
β
-D-glc
HO
O
O
OMe
H
H
OH
HO
MeO
O
OH
glc-D-
β
-O
O20
Eleutheroside E
O21
Eleutheroside C
OMe
OMe
OH
O
MeO
OMe
OH
H
H
glc-D-
β
-O
MeO
O
OMe
glc-D-
β
-O
O23
Eleutheroside E
2
O22
Eleutheroside B
OMe
Figure 14.18
Structures of compounds in Siberian ginseng.
and is recommended as a general tonic. Because of its nonspecific mechanisms
of action, Siberian ginseng has a broad range of clinical applications.
The root contains polysaccharides, phenolics (coumarins, lignans, and
phenylpropionic acids), and glycosides. Some members (e.g., eleutheroside K,
O18
) of the latter group are specifically triterpenoid in nature, whereas others,
including isofraxoside (eleutheroside B
1
,
O19
), glycosides of syringaresinol
(e.g., eleutheroside E,
O20
), and the ethyl ether of galactose (eleutheroside C,
O21
), belong in a miscellaneous series. Eleutherosides E (
O20
)andB(
O22
,
also called syringin) are two major glycosides and typically are used as marker
compounds associated with bioactivity, particularly antifatigue action (151).
A new lignan glycoside eleutheroside E
2
(
O23
) was isolated recently from
E.
senticosus
(152).
14.3.3 Ganoderma lucidum (fungus)
Chinese people consider
Ganoderma lucidum
(Polyporaceae family) as the
“Miraculous King of Herbs.” It is highly regarded for its medicinal properties,
which include promoting the healing ability of the human body, strengthening
