Epi-sarsasapogenin and epi-smilagenin: two sapogenins isolated from the rumen content of sheep intoxicated by Brachiaria decumbens

  • Steroids. 1993 Aug;58(8):387-9. doi: 10.1016/0039-128x(93)90043-m.
N H Lajis  1 ,  A S Abdullah ,  S J Salim ,  J B Bremner ,  M N Khan
Affiliations
  • 1. Department of Chemistry, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Selangor D. E.
PMID: 8212090 DOI: 10.1016/0039-128x(93)90043-m
Abstract

Spectroscopic examination of purified extracts of the rumen content of sheep intoxicated by Brachiaria decumbens revealed the presence of two spirostanes, identified as epi-sarsasapogenin and epi-smilagenin. Sarsasapogenone was obtained by the oxidation of sarsasapogenin. The reduction of sarsasapogenone using lithium aluminum hydride yielded isomeric products, sarsasapogenin (20%) and epi-sarsasapogenin (80%).

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