Furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris

An HPLC-ELSD-ESl-MS method has been developed for the analysis of the steroidal saponins in the aerial parts of Tribulus terrestris. Protodioscin, a new saponin (5,6-dihydroprotodioscin, neoprotodioscin) and their respective sulfates were detected. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of NMR and ESI-MS spectral analysis. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.