New Homoisoflavanes, a New Alkaloid and Spirostane Steroids from the Roots of Herreria montevidensis Klotzsch ex Griseb. (Herreriaceae) ^†

Abstract

The roots of the South American vine Herreria montevidensis Klotzsch ex Griseb. (Herreriaceae) are used in traditional medicine by several Amerindian groups of the Paraguayan Chaco. Little is known on the chemistry of the plant, despite its widespread use across the South American Chaco. From the ethyl acetate/methanol 1:1 extract of the roots, four new and one known homoisoflavanoid, two flavan derivatives, a stilbene, a new alkaloid, and three new and four known spirostane steroids were isolated. The corresponding structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and spectrometric means. The homoisoflavonoids of the plant are related to compounds isolated from the Dracaenaceae (formerly Agavaceae) sources of the Chinese crude drug Dragon’s Blood. The new alkaloid is a novel skeleton that can be used as a chemical marker of Herreria. The spirostane steroids suggest chemotaxonomic relations with the Liliales. This is the first comprehensive report on the chemistry of a South American Herreria species.

1. Introduction

The vine Herreria montevidensis Klotzsch ex Griseb. (family Herreriaceae) is abundant in the Chaco domains of South America. It is used in traditional medicine by many Amerindian groups of the Paraguayan Chaco. The Ayoreo rubbed the stem sap on the knees of children to accelerate growth [1]. Additionally, the plant is also used to treat rheumatism [1]. The Lengua-Maskoy use the mashed roots of H. montevidensis as an additive to mate, a traditional drink prepared with cold water [2]. The underground parts, mainly roots, are used either as water maceration or decoction as a diuretic and the stems are collected for craftwork and handicrafts [3].

Species of Herreria and the closely related Smilax are widely used in Brazilian popular medicine as a sudorific and to treat skin diseases, gout, rheumatism and syphilis [4]. The closely related species H. salsaparilha and Smilax spp. are known as “salsaparilla” or “salsaparrilha” and are used for the same purposes by the Paraguayan and Brazilian country-dwellers living in the Chaco and Brazilian Pantanal. Despite this widespread use, little is known on the chemistry of the South American genus Herreria (Herreriaceae). Isolation of gitogenin from the roots of H. stellata was reported [5]. According to SciFinder (accessed on 30 August 2016), a 1973 report in a local Brazilian journal informed of the occurrence of steroidal saponins in the roots of H. montevidensis [6], however, these saponins were neither isolated nor identified.

To gain insight into the chemistry of Paraguayan Chaco plants used by Native Americans, the objective of this investigation was the isolation and characterization of the roots constituents of H. montevidensis.

2. Results and Discussion

The root extract of Herreria montevidensis Klotzsch ex Griseb. yielded four new (compounds 2–5) and the known homoisoflavane 1, the known flavanes 6 and 7, the stilbene 8, the new alkaloid 9 and seven spirostane steroids 10–16, four of which (compounds 11, 14–16) are described for the first time (Figure 1).

The ¹H-NMR spectra of compounds 1–4 (

Table 1. ¹H-NMR-Spectral Data of Compounds 1–5 (400 MHz, CDCl₃, or CDCl₃ + MeOH-d₄, δ-values in ppm, J values in Hz).

Position	1 CDCl3 + MeOH-d4	2	3 CDCl3 + MeOH-d4	4 CDCl3 + MeOH-d4	5
21	4.24 dd (10.4, 1.2)	4.06 dd (10.4, 1.2)	4.09 dd (10.4, 1.2)	4.07 dd (10.4, 1.2)	4.59 brs
22	3.83 dd (10.4, 8.8)	3.69 dd (10.4, 8.8)	3.77 dd (10.4, 8.8)	3.73 dd (10.4, 8.8)	-
3	2.25 m	2.15 m	2.20 m	2.17 m	-
41	2.73 dd (16.0, 5.2)	2.62 dd (16.0, 5.2)	2.79 dd (16.0, 5.2)	2.78 dd (16.0, 5.2)	6.04 brs
42	2.41 dd (16.0, 8.8)	2.33 dd (16.0, 8.0)	2.37 dd (16.0, 8.0)	2.35 dd (16.0, 8.4)
5	6.63 d (8.4)	6.75 d (8.4)	-	-	6.53 d (8.0)
6	6.48 d (8.4)	6.28 dd (8.4, 2.5)	-	-	6.44 d (8.0)
8	-	6.21 d (2.5)	6.18 s	6.13 s	-
2′,6′	7.04 d (7.6)	6.95 d (8.0)	7.04 d (8.0)	7.02 d (8.0)	7.01 d (8.0)
3′,5′	6.78 d (7.6)	6.70 d (8.0)	6.75 d (8.0)	6.77 d (8.0)	6.73 d (8.0)
7′1	2.58 dd (13.6, 7.6)	2.52 dd (15.2, 7.6)	2.69 dd (15.2, 7.6)	2.61 dd (13.6, 7.2)	3.28 brs
7′2	2.52 dd (13.6, 7.2)	2.45 dd (15.2, 7.6)	2.59 dd (15.2, 7.6)	2.56 dd (13.6, 7.2)
Me	-	-	2.06 s	2.08 s	-
OMe	3.84 s	3.77 s	3.66 s	-	3.81 s
OMe	-	-	3.75 s	3.67 s	-

) showed in common a fragment composed of a central methine with three attached methylene groups (ring B), a p-hydroxyphenyl ring (ring C) and one to three aromatic H from a second phenyl ring (ring A), suggesting a three ring systems. The chemical shift of the methylene groups required that two of them be in benzylic positions and one bear an oxygen function. These structural elements are in agreement with the homoisoflavane skeleton. In all compounds, the B-ring was disubstituted with a hydroxy group in the para-position. The substitution patterns of the A-ring were deduced from the splitting of aromatic signals. The relative placement of the substituents was deduced by comparison with literature and from the NOE difference spectra. The ¹³C-NMR data of the compounds 1–4 clearly shows the common structural features with the t at δ 69–70 ppm for C-2, a d at δ 34–39 ppm for C-3 and two t at δ 25–30 and δ 37 ppm for C-4 and C-7′, respectively. The ¹³C-NMR data of compounds 1–7 is summarized in

Table 2. ¹³C-NMR Spectral Data of Compounds 1–7 (100 MHz, CDCl₃ or CDCl₃ + MeOH-d₄, δ-values in ppm).

Position	1 CDCl3 + MeOH-d4	2	3 CDCl3 + MeOH-d4	4 CDCl3 + MeOH-d4	5	6	7
2	70.0 t	69.9 t	69.6 t	69.6 t	68.0 t	77.1 d	77.0 d
3	34.0 d	34.3 d	33.9 d	33.9 d	128.6 s	19.4 t	19.5 t
4	30.3 t	30.2 t	25.5 t	25.5 t	119.6 d	29.4 t	29.5 t
4 a	114.4 s	112.8 s	111.4 s	110.0 s	116.6 s	103.9 s	106.2 s
5	124.4 d	124.4 d	157.3 s *	157.2 s	121.1 d	155.7 s	155.7 s
6	107.5 d	108.1 d	107.0 s	106.5 s	107.6 d	90.9 d	87.8 d
7	147.5 s	150.0 s	154.0 s	154.3 s	149.0 s	154.1 s	155.0 s
8	134.8 s	102.8 d	95.3 d	98.7 d	134.8 s	102.6 s	103.5 s
8a	147.2 s	154.8 s	157.2 s *	152.9 s	145.2 s	152.9 s	155.0 s
1′	130.4 s	130.3 s	131.6 s	130.5 s	131.0 s	133.5 s	134.4 s
2′, 6′	129.9 d	129.9 d	130.1 d	129.8 d	129.8 d	127.1 d	127.2 d
4‘	154.8 s	154.9 s	154.3 s	154.9 s	155.2 s	156.0 s	156.6 s
3′, 5′	115.2 d	115.2 d	115.2 d	115.1 d	115.2 d	115.1 d	115.1 d
7′	36.9 t	37.0 t	37.2 t	37.2 t	38.8 t	-	-
CH3	-	-	8.5 q	8.2 q	-	7.6 q	7.8 q
5-OCH3	-	-	59.9 q	59.7 q	-	-	56.0 q **
7-OCH3	-	60.7 q	55.5 q	-	-	55.3 q	55.5 q **
8-OCH3	60.7 q	-	-	-	60.8 q	-	-

* and **: assignations can be reversed.

.

The ¹H-NMR spectrum of compound 1 showed in addition to the -OCH₂-CH-(benzylic CH₂)₂ sequence (ring B) and the 4-hydroxybenzyl ring (ring C), two aromatic H at δ 6.48 and δ 6.63 ppm (J = 8 Hz) and a methoxy s at δ 3.84 from ring A. The exact placement of the OCH₃ was deduced from the HMBC experiments that showed clear correlations between the s peak at 3.84 ppm and the C at δ 134.8, as well as between the H-6 signal at δ 6.48 and the C at δ 134.8. The structure is in agreement with 7-hydroxy-8-methoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman, previously isolated from the crude drug Dragon’s Blood [7]. The compound was also reported from Dracaena cinnabari [8]. The closely related compound 2 differs from 1 in the H number and sequence in the aromatic ring. The ¹H-NMR spectrum of 2 shows three H signals at δ 6.75 (d, J = 8 Hz), 6.28 (dd, J = 8 and 2.5 Hz) and 6.21 ppm (d, J = 2.5 Hz), supporting a 1,2,4 sequence in the aromatic ring as well as a methoxy singlet at δ 3.77 ppm. The placement of the methoxy group at C-7 follows from the substitution pattern and shielding of H-6 and H-8 as well as from biosynthetic considerations. The molecular formula deduced from the mass spectrum (C₁₇H₁₈O₃) as well as the fragmentation pattern is in agreement with the proposed structure. The compound was thus identified as 7-methoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman and is reported for the first time.

The ¹H-NMR spectra of compounds 3 and 4 (Table 1) showed only one aromatic H for the A-ring. The substituents were deduced from the typical chemical shifts as a methyl and two methoxy groups for 3 and a methyl and a methoxy group for 4, respectively. The placement of the methoxy and methyl groups was deduced from the HMBC experiments. In the HMBC spectrum of 3, clear correlations were observed between the methyl signal at δ 2.06 ppm, the C at δ 111.4 (C-4a) and δ 157 ppm (C-5 and C-7), indicating that the methyl group was located at C-6. Correlation experiments allowed the assignation of the methoxy signals at δ 3.66 and δ 3.75 to the C quartets at δ 59.9 and δ 55.5 ppm, respectively. The methoxy signals show clear HMBC correlations with the C at δ 157.2 and 157.3, assigned as C-8a and C-7. Further correlations were between the H singlet at δ 6.18 and the C at δ 154.0 ppm and the C at δ 154.3 and the H signals at δ 7.04 and 6.76 from the p-substituted aromatic ring. The ¹H-NMR spectrum of compound 4 was close to that of 3, showing a methyl and a methoxy signal at δ 2.08 and 3.67 ppm, respectively. The exact placement of the methyl and methoxy group follows from the HMBC experiments. Strong correlations were observed between the methyl signal at δ 2.08 and the C at δ 154.3 and δ 157.2 ppm as well as between the methoxy singlet at δ 3.67 and the C at δ 157.2. The H singlet at δ 6.13 showed clear correlation with the C at δ 152.9 ppm, while the doublets at δ 7.02 and 6.77 from the p-substituted aromatic ring (C) shows correlation with the C at 154.9 ppm, allowing the assignation of the oxygen-bearing aromatic C in the molecule. The HMBC correlation spectrum is shown in the Supplementary Materials. The ¹³C-NMR spectra (Table 2) are in agreement with the proposed structures. Compounds 3 and 4 were identified as 5,7-dimethoxy-6-methyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman and 7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-6-methyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman, respectively. The ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, HSQC and HMBC spectra of compounds 1, 3 and 4 are available in Figures S1–S12.

The ¹H-NMR spectrum of compound 5 (Table 1) indicated identical aromatic substitution as in compound 1. However, instead of the -OCH₂-CH-(benzylic CH₂)₂ sequence observed for 1–4, three br s at δ 6.04 (1H), 4.59 (2H) and 3.28 ppm (2H) indicates a double bond at C-3. This assumption was supported by the ¹³C-NMR spectrum (Table 2), showing an additional double bond (δ 128.6 s and δ 119.6 d) and the HR-EI-MS (calculated for C₁₇H₁₆O₄) presenting a difference of one unsaturation degree with compound 1. The placement of the methoxy group at C-8 was deduced by comparison with the related compound 1 as well as by the HMBC correlation of the methoxy group and the C signal at δ 134.8. The compound 5 was assigned as 7-hydroxy-8-methoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-3-chromen and is described for the first time.

The stereochemistry at C-3 of the new homoisoflavonoids was deduced by comparison with the optical rotation of reported homoisoflavonoids. According to [8], the stereochemistry of the homoisoflavans from Dracaena cinnabari showed positive circular dichroism at 280 nm, indicating the same configuration for all the compounds. However, the absolute configuration by X-ray analysis was not possible [8]. The optical rotation for some of the derivatives was 0, pointing out racemic mixtures. In the report on D. cambodiana phenolics [9], the structure of 7,4′-dihydroxyhomoisoflavane was given without stereochemistry. In the work on Dragon’s Blood from D. draco [10], the compound 3-(4-dihydroxybenzyl)-5,7-dimethoxychroman was described without stereochemistry at C-3 but with optical rotation data, showing that the compound is dextrorotatory (+). The reported optical rotation for 7-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)chroman was (+) [11], showing a trend for this group of compounds. For the 6,4′-dihydroxy-8-methoxyhomoisoflavan, the absolute configuration at C-3 was reported as (3R) and the compound was dextrorotatory (+) [12]. Based on the optical rotation data and the absolute configuration reported by [12] the configuration at C-3 of the Herreria homoisoflavanes was assigned as (3R).

The structure of the compounds 6 and 7 follows the NMR spectra that show the typical signals for a flavan with a p-substituted B-ring and an aromatic H in the A-ring. The spectroscopic and spectrometric data of 6 and 7 are in agreement with 4′,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-8-methylflavan 6 [7] and 4′-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-8-methylflavan 7 [13]. The ¹³C-NMR data of compounds 6 and 7 is summarized in Table 2. The flavan 6 was previously isolated from the resin of Dracaena draco [7] and 7 was described from Pancratium maritimum [13]. The compounds 6 and 7 are related to (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-8-methylflavan described from Dracaena cambodiana [14]. The closely related compound (2R)-7,4′-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-8-methylflavan, differing in the relative placement of the OH and OCH₃ functions at C-5 and C-7, was reported from Soymida febrifuga [12]. The compound 8, with a molecular formula C₁₅H₁₄O₅ was identified as 3,3′,5,5′-tetrahydroxy-4-methoxystilbene, previously isolated from Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) [15,16].

Homoisoflavonoids have been isolated previously from the red resin of the Chinese crude drug Dragon’s Blood. The resin is obtained from several botanical sources, including Palmaceae from genus Calamus and Daemonorops, Dracaenaceae (formerly Agavaceae) from genus Dracaena, Pterocarpus (Leguminosae) and Croton (Euphorbiaceae) species [17]. The chemistry of Dracaena species shows as constituents: homoisoflavonoids, flavonoid derivatives and steroids [16]. Homoisoflavonoids were reported from D. cinnabari [8], D. cambodiana [9] and D. draco [10]. The isolation of several stilbene derivatives and biflavonoid-like compounds was reported from D. cochinchinensis. The compounds showed effect against Helicobacter pylori and moderate thrombin inhibitory effect [17]. Homoisoflavonoids have been also isolated from the rhizomes of the Agavaceae Agave barbadensis [11] and from the bark of the Meliaceae Soymida febrifuga [12]. According to Dewick [18], related compounds isolated from Eucomis and Scilla species (Liliaceae) are biosynthetized from a chalcone-type skeleton by the addition of a carbon atom derived from methionine. Flavanes related to compound 4 with a OCH₃ at 4′ were isolated from the rhizomes of Agave barbadensis [11] and from the stems of the Dracaena cambodiana [9]. Luo et al. [9] reported the antioxidant activity of D. cambodiana but the very high SC₅₀ values found in the DPPH assay, compared with that or known antioxidants, indicates that they are not promising as antioxidant agents. In summary, the flavanes (homoisoflavonoids) occurring in H. montevidensis roots are similar to the constituents isolated from the crude drug Dragon´s Blood obtained from the Dracaena species.

Compound 9 was isolated as yellow needles with a HR-EI-MS of 236.0950 atomic mass units, calculated for C₁₅H₁₂N₂O. The molecular formula is in agreement with an alkaloid with eleven degrees of unsaturation. A singlet at δ 172.8 ppm in the ¹³C-NMR spectrum (

Table 3. NMR Spectral Data of Compound 9 (400 MHz for ¹H- and 100 MHz for ¹³C-, CDCl₃, δ-values in ppm, J in Hz).

Position	δC, Type	H	δH (J in Hz)	HMBC	NOE
2	172.8 C
3	132.7 C
4	121.0 C
5	127.2 C
6	120.6 CH	6	7.66 d (8)	4 (w), 5 (w), 8 (s), 10 (s)	6′(3)
7	120.3 CH	7	7.17 ddd (8, 8, 1)	5 (s), 9 (s)
8	126.3 CH	8	7.36 ddd (8, 8, 1)	6 (s), 10 (s)
9	112.3 CH	9	7.46 d (8)	5 (s), 7 (s)	N-H(3)
10	136.6 C
1′	119.9 CH	1′	7.34 dd (4, 2)	3′ (m), 4′ (m)
2′	109.3 CH	2′	6.26 dd (4, 2)	1′ (w), 3′ (s), 4′ (s)
3′	129.6 CH	3′	6.90 dd (2, 2)	1′ (s), 2′ (s), 5′ (w), 4′ (s)	5´(3)
4′	133.9 C	-
5′	50.4 CH2	5′	4.48 m	3′ (m), 6′ (m), 4′ (m), 4 (s)	3′(5)
6′	25.4 CH2	6′	3.40 m	3 (s), 4 (s), 5 (s), 5′ (m)	6 (5)
NH			9.45 br s	5 (w)	9 (5)

s: strong; m: medium; w: weak interaction.

) indicates an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group. Six C signals can be associated with sp² C atoms belonging to an ortho-substituted phenyl ring while four sp² C builds an additional heterocyclic five-membered ring, compatible with an α-substituted pyrrol. Two methylenes t at δ 50.4 and 25.4 ppm are part of an additional framework of the molecule. The ¹H-NMR spectrum (Figure S13) shows three sequences including an ortho disubstituted aromatic ring, a α-substituted pyrrole and two vicinal methylenes. All signals in the ¹³C-NMR spectrum were assigned with the aid of 2D experiments. The HMBC spectrum was helpful for the assignment of quaternary carbons and connections of fragments. The most important long range correlations were observed between H-7, H-9, H-6′ and N-H each with C-5, supporting the 2(1H)-quinolinone moiety of the compound (Figure S14). HMBC correlations and NOE experiments allowed the placement of the α-substituted pyrrole and -CH₂-CH₂- sequence in the compound, leading to structure 9. Among the dipolar interactions, those between H-6′ and H-6, between H-5′ and H-3′ as well as between the N-H and H-9 should be emphasized for the characterization of the compound. All information is summarized in Table 3. The new compound belongs to a novel skeleton and is named herrerin in recognition of the plant source of the compound.

The structure of the compounds 10–16 was elucidated after acetylation which gave the secondary acetates. The ¹H-NMR spectra of the compounds (

Table 4. Selected ¹H-NMR Spectral Data of Compounds 10–16 (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ-values in ppm, J in Hz).

Position	10	11	12	13	14	15	16
2	5.02 ddd (12, 10, 5)	5.03 ddd (12, 10, 5)	5.04 ddd (12, 10, 5)	5.02 ddd (12, 10, 5)	‡	5.03 ddd (12, 10, 5)	5.10 ddd (12, 10, 5)
3	4.78 ddd (11, 10, 5)	4.79 ddd (11, 10, 5)	4.80 ddd (11, 10, 5)	4.78 ddd (11, 10, 5)	4.67 dddd (11, 11, 4, 4)	4.79 ddd (11, 10, 5)	4.72 ddd (11, 10, 5)
6	*	*	*	*	*	*	5.47 br ddd (5,2,2)
15 α	1.65 m	1.94 dd (13, 8)	4.10 ddd (5, 3, 2)	1.65 m	1.94 dd (13, 8)	1.94 dd (13, 8)	‡
15 β	1.20 m	1.59 dd (13, 6)	15-OH, 2.23 brs	1.20 m	1.58 dd (13, 6)	1.59 dd (13, 6)	‡
16	4.37 ddd (8, 8, 6)	4.62 ddd (8, 8, 6)	4.34 dd (8, 5)	4.37 ddd (8, 8, 6)	4.63 ddd (8, 8, 6)	4.62 ddd (8, 8, 6)	4.62 ddd (8, 8, 6)
17	1.75 dd (8, 7)	2.31 dd (8, 7)	1.94 dd (8, 7)	1.75 dd (8, 7)	2.31 dd (8, 7)	2.31 dd (8, 7)	2.32 dd (8, 7)
18	0.73 s	0.90 s	0.99 s	0.73 s	0.86 s	0.90 s	0.93 s
19	0.90 s	0.95 s	0.95 s	0.90 s	0.91 s	0.95 s	1.15 s
20	1.85 m	1.90 m	‡	1.80 m	1.86 m	1.86 m	‡
21	0.93 d (7)	0.97 d (7)	0.96 d (7)	0.96 d (7)	1.00 d (7)	1.00 d (7)	0.99 d (7)
26 α	3.34 dd (11, 11)	3.36 dd (11, 11)	3.38 dd (11, 11)	3.27 brd (11)	3.30 brd (11)	3.30 brd (11)	3.36 dd (11, 11)
26 β	3.45 ddd (11, 5, 2)	3.48 ddd (11, 5, 2)	3.51 ddd (11, 5, 2)	3.92 dd (11, 3)	3.93 dd (11, 3)	3.93 dd (11, 3)	3.48 ddd (11, 5, 2)
27	0.76 d (7)	0.79 d (7)	0.80 d (7)	1.05 d (7)	1.08 d (7)	1.08 d (7)	0.79 d (7)
OAc	2.01 s	2.01 s	2.01 s	2.01 s	2.01 s	2.01 s	2.01 s
	2.00 s	2.01 s	2.00 s	2.00 s	-	2.01 s	2.00 s

* overlapped multiplet; ^‡ not estimated.

) were similar, showing two angular methyl groups at δ 0.73–0.99 and δ 0.90–1.15 ppm, two methyl d at δ 0.76–1.08 and δ 0.93–1.00, two H associated with a primary alcohol/ether system (-OCH₂-CH-) in the range δ 3.30–3.93 ppm, a deshielded H signal at 4.34–4.63 ppm and the H belonging to the acetylated hydroxy functions at δ 5.02–5.10 and δ 4.67–4.80 ppm. The ¹³C-NMR spectra (

Table 5. ¹³C-NMR Spectral Data of Compounds 10–16 (100 MHz, CDCl₃, δ-values in ppm).

Position	10	11	12	13	14	15	16
1	42.1 t	42.4 t	42.1 t	42.3 t	36.8 t	42.3 t	42.3 t
2	71.6 d	71.8 d	71.8 d	71.9 d	28.3 t	71.8 d	74.3 d
3	74.4 d	74.5 d	74.5 d	74.6 d	73.5 d	74.5 d	71.4 d
4	32.5 t	32.8 t	32.6 t	32.7 t	33.9 t	32.7 t	36.2 t
5	43.9 d	43.9 d	44.2 d	44.1 d	44.3 d	43.8 d	137.1 s
6	27.4 t	27.4 t	27.4 t	27.5 t	27.4 t	27.4 t	123.4 d
7	31.5 t	26.7 t	31.1 t	31.6 t	26.9 t	26.7 t	26.0 t
8	34.2 d	37.8 d	30.5 d	34.3 d	38.4 d	37.7 d	34.3 d
9	53.8 d	46.6 d	54.5 d	54.0 d	46.7 d	46.6 d	43.0 d
10	36.9 s	37.3 s	37.2 s	37.1 s	35.8 s	37.3 s	38.3 s
11	21.0 t	20.1 t	21.3 t	21.1 t	20.0 t	20.1 t	19.7 t
12	39.6 t	31.8 t	42.1 t	39.8 t	31.9 t	31.8 t	31.4 t
13	40.3 s	44.5 s	40.6 s	40.4 s	44.5 s	44.5 s	44.3 s
14	55.8 d	87.9 s	60.2 d	56.0 d	88.1 s	87.9 s	87.1 s
15	31.7 t	39.5 t	69.6 d	31.8 t	39.3 t	39.4 t	39.3 s
16	80.6 d	80.8 d	82.0 d	80.8 d	81.0 d	80.9 d	80.7 d
17	61.7 d	58.7 d	61.1 d	61.9 d	58.5 d	58.5 d	58.8 d
18	16.3 q	20.1 q	19.0 q	16.4 q	20.2 q	20.1 q	19.8 q
19	12.8 q	12.8 q	12.8 q	12.9 q	12.1 q	12.8 q	14.7 q
20	41.4 d	41.6 d	42.4 s	42.1 d	42.1 d	42.1 d	41.6 d
21	14.2 q	14.7 q	14.2 q	14.3 q	14.5 q	14.5 q	14.7 q
22	109.0 s	109.5 s	110.0 s	109.6 s	109.9 s	109.9 s	109.5 s
23	31.2 t	31.5 t	31.1 t	25.7 t	25.8 t	25.8 t	31.4 t
24	28.6 t	28.8 t	28.5 t	25.9 t	26.0 t	26.0 t	28.8 t
25	30.1 d	30.2 d	30.1 d	27.0 d	27.0 d	27.0 d	30.2 d
26	66.6 t	66.8 t	67.1 t	65.1 t	65.1 t	65.1 t	66.8 t
27	17.0 q	17.1 q	17.0 q	16.0 q	16.1 q	16.1 q	17.1 d
OAc	170.3 s	170.6 s	170.5 s	170.6 s	170.7 s	170.6 s	170.5 s
	21.0 q	21.1 q	21.1 q	21.1 q	21.5 q	21.1 q	21.2 q
OAc	170.2 s	170.6 s	170.4 s	170.5 s	-	170.6 s	170.4 s
	21.0 q	21.2 q	21.1 q	21.1 q	-	21.2 q	21.1 q

) suggest sapogenins of the spirostane type, characterized by the presence of a spiroketal ring system.

According to [19], naturally occurring spirostanes can be classified into groups according to the following structural characteristics: stereochemistry at C-5, C-22 and C-25; relative placement and stereochemistry of the functional groups and position and number of double bonds, mainly for the Δ5 (5-en) derivatives. In the IR spectra, characteristic bands for the spiroketal system can be observed at 920–930 cm⁻¹ for (25S), stronger than at 900–905 cm⁻¹ for the (25R) spiroketal. In the ¹H-NMR spectrum of compounds 10–13 and 15, two coupling ddd from the ester bearing centers require for each of them a vicinal CH₂ group, supporting the sequence -CH₂-CHOAc-CHOAc-CH₂- and the placement of the acetates at C-2 and C-3. The J values of the coupling constants J₂,₃ indicates a trans-diaxial arrangement of the H atoms (Table 4). Additional signals at δ 4.37–4.63 and δ 3.30–3.93 are typical for H-16 and for both H-26 hydrogen atoms. The C-25 configuration can be deduced from the vicinal couplings from the geminal C-26 methylene protons (axial or equatorial position of the H in the vicinal position). For an equatorial methyl at C-25, the J values are J_25,26 = 5 and J_25,26 = 11 Hz, respectively. The ¹H-NMR spectra of the compounds 10 and 13 were very similar, showing two acetates at H-2 and H-3 and differing in the chemical shift of the signals from H-26 (-O-CH₂-) and the methyl d (H-27). Both compounds differ in the stereochemistry at C-25. The ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR data of the compounds are in agreement with the 2O,3O-diacetates of gitogenin ((25R)-5α-spirostan-2α,3β-diol) (10) and neogitogenin ((25S)-5α-spirostan-2α,3β-diol) (13), respectively [19]. A clear differentiation of both compounds is possible on the basis of the ¹³C-NMR spectra. The axial methyl group at C-25 in the S-series led to a high field shift of 3–4 ppm in the α- and β-position and due to the gauche effect about 5.5 ppm on the C-23 signal. The spirostane steroid gitogenin was previously isolated from Digitalis spp., Yucca gloriosa and Isoplexis canariensis while neogitogenin was reported from Digitalis, Yucca and other species [16].

The ¹H-NMR spectra of 11 and 15 were similar to each other and differ from that of 10 and 13 by the occurrence of an additional OH function in 11 and 15. The splitting of the H-15 signal of 11 and 15 suggest that the hydroxy function is placed at C-14. The chemical shift of an additional downfield singlet at δ 87.9 ppm in the ¹³C-NMR spectra confirmed this assumption. The stereochemistry of the OH function was deduced from the chemical shift of H-17, which was shifted downfield due to the syn-planar orientation with the hydroxy group.

Compounds 11 and 15 differ in the stereochemistry of the H-27 methyl group as can be deduced from the chemical shift of the H-26 and H-27 signals. The compounds were assigned as 14α-hydroxygitogenin ((25R)-5α-spirostan-2α,3β,14α-triol) (isolated as the diacetate 11) and 14α-hydroxyneogitogenin ((25S)-5α-spirostan-2α,3β,14α-triol) (isolated as the diacetate 15). Both compounds are reported for the first time as natural products. Compound 12, with hydroxy functions at H-2 and H-3, differ from 11 in the placement of the third OH function. While compound 11 presents a tertiary alcohol at C-14, compound 12 shows the additional OH group at C-15 and was identified as digitogenin.

The ¹H-NMR spectrum of 14 differs from the other spirostane steroids from the plant by the absence of the downfield shifted H-2 signal and the presence of only one acetate. The ¹³C-NMR data allowed the assignation of the signals by comparison with the data reported by [19] for steroidal sapogenins. The s at δ 88.1 ppm in the ¹³C-NMR spectrum indicates that the second OH function is placed at C-14. The multiplicity of the H-3 signal and the chemical shift of the H-26 protons are in agreement with 14α-hydroxy neotigogenin ((25S)-5α-spirostan-3α,14α-diol) (as the acetate 14). The ¹H-NMR spectrum of compound 16 was similar to that of compound 11, differing by the olefinic br ddd signal at δ 5.47 ppm (J = 5, 2, 2 Hz), assigned to H-6, and by the ¹³C spectrum that showed a double bond at δ 137.1 (s) and 123.4 (d) ppm for compound 16. The structural feature is typical for H-5 in steroids, supporting the Δ⁵ derivative of 11. The ¹³C-NMR data is in agreement with the assignation. The compound was identified as 14α-hydroxy-yuccagenin ((25R)-spirost-5-en-2α,3β,14α-triol). The steroidal sapogenins 11, 14–16 were not found in the consulted databases (SciFinder and Dictionary of Natural Products on DVD [16]) and to the best of our knowledge are reported for the first time.

The stereochemistry at C-20 from all the isolated spirostane was deduced on the basis of the NOE experiments. Clear effects were observed between H-21 and H-17 as well as between H-16 and H-17. The stereochemistry at C-22 was confirmed on the basis of the ¹³C-NMR data compared with the literature. The NOE effect between H-19 and H-2 confirm the occurrence of 5α-spirostane. Spirostane steroids, also known as sapogenins occurs in the Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae and Dioscoreaceae families from the Monocots as well as in some Dicot families such as the Scrophulariaceae and Solanaceae. They are frequently linked with sugars to build saponins. Sapogenins are used for the commercial attainment of steroidal hormones, being diosgenin from Dioscorea species the most important starting product [16].

The rhizome of Herreria montevidensis was formerly included in the same group of sources as the crude drug “zarzaparrilla” as a Smilax species. Both of them have in common the traditional use as a diuretic and depurative, in Asia as well as in the Americas. Brandao et al. [20] refer to the Brazilian plants described by European naturalists in the 19th century, including “zarzaparrilla”. The common name refers to Smilax and Herreria species. A recent work on Smilax brasiliensis and Herreria salsaparrilha from Brazil showed a positive impact of the crude drugs’ extracts on the triglyceride levels in high-refined carbohydrate diets in mice [21] as well as on the glucose and cholesterol levels in treated animals. The authors detected saponins but also chlorogenic acid and known phenolics in the extracts.

Rhizomes from several Smilax species are used in traditional Asian medicine. Some of them contain phenylpropanoids that are active towards β-secretase [22], antioxidant and cytotoxic glycosides [23] or present anti-estrogenic/estrogenic activity [24], among other effects. Spirostane saponins also present anti-inflammatory activity [25]. The chemical diversity found in the H. montevidensis roots from the Paraguayan Chaco suggests the potential of the crude drug constituents as bioactive agents.

3. Experimental Section

3.1. General Experimental Procedures

Melting points were determined on a Koffler hot stage apparatus (Electrothermal 9100, Dubuque, IA, USA) and were uncorrected. IR spectra were recorded on a Nicolet Nexus 470 FT-IR instrument (Thermo Electron Corporation, Waltham, MA, USA). The NMR spectra were recorded on an Avance 400 spectrometer (Bruker, Rheinstetten, Germany) at 400 MHz for ¹H and 100 MHz for ¹³C- in CDCl₃ or CDCl₃-methanol-d₄. Chemical shifts are given in ppm with residual chloroform as the internal standard. High-resolution mass spectra were measured on a VG Micromass ZAB-2F at 70 eV (Varian Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA). Merck silica gel (0.063–0.2) was used for column chromatography. Pre-coated Si gel plates (Kieselgel 60 F254, 0.25 mm, Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) were used for TLC analysis. TLC spots were visualized by spraying the chromatograms with p-anisaldehyde–ethanol–acetic acid–H₂SO₄ (2:170:20:10 v/v) and heating at 110 °C for 3 min.

3.2. Plant Material

The roots of Herreria montevidensis Klotzsch ex Griseb. were collected in the outskirts of the Ayoreo settlement of Isla Alta, Departamento Alto Paraguay, Paraguay, in December, 1991. Voucher herbarium specimens (Schmeda 1408) were identified by S. Smith (Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA) where they have been deposited.

3.3. Extraction and Isolation

The air-dried roots (750 g) were powdered and extracted with EtOAc–MeOH 1:1 (3 × 5 L) to give a crude extract which was partitioned between CHCl₃ and H₂O. The CHCl₃-soluble fraction (7.5 g) was chromatographed on a medium pressure silica gel column with a petroleum ether- diethyl ether–EtOAc–MeOH gradient, to give 40 fractions of 250 mL each. The first group of fractions did not contain compounds of interest and were discarded. Fraction 1 yielded after preparative HPLC (RP8, MeOH–H₂O 7:3), 3 mg 7 (R_t 5.4 min) and 18 mg 3 (R_t 9.1 min.). Compound 9 (11 mg) eluted in fraction 12 and recrystallized from MeOH.

Fractions 14–16 were combined and rechromatographed on SiO₂ with a PE/EtOAc gradient to give 20 fractions. Fractions 10–14 were further purified on Sephadex LH-20 with MeOH. Fractions 12–13 from the Sephadex column yielded 7 mg 1, while fractions 14–15 afforded after HPLC (RP8, MeOH–H₂O 1:1) 4 mg 1 (R_t 5.6 min) and 3 mg 7 (R_t 7.3 min). Fractions 16–18 afforded after HPLC (RP8, MeOH–H₂O 1:1) 3 mg 2 (R_t 6.3 min), 4 mg 6 (R_t 7.0 min) and 20 mg 4 (R_t 8.2 min). Fractions 19–25 afforded after HPLC (RP8, MeOH–H₂O 1:1) 3 mg 6 (R_t 6.5 min).

Fractions 23–25 from the first silica gel column were acetylated and chromatographed on a medium pressure silica gel column with a petroleum ether (PE)/methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) gradient. Fractions 2–3 (130 mg) afforded a mixture of the acetates 10 and 13. Some 60 mg from the fractions 2–3 yielded after preparative HPLC (PE–MTBE; 9.5:1.5) 15 mg of a 10/13 (3:1) mixture (R_t 11.6 min), 20 mg 10/13 (1:3) mixture (R_t 17.2 min) and 6 mg 13 (R_t 21.5 min). Fractions 4 and 5 afforded 186 mg 12. Fractions 8 and 9 afforded 12 mg 14. Fraction 11 yielded 8 mg 16. Fraction 13 afforded 60 mg 11 and fraction 15 yielded 17 mg 15.

The aqueous phase from the total extract partition was lyophilized and the resulting powder was extracted with MeOH. The MeOH-soluble fraction (12 g) was chromatographed on a medium pressure silica gel column with a petroleum ether-diethyl ether-EtOAc–MeOH gradient to give 50 fractions of 250 mL each. Fractions 11 and 12 yielded after HPLC (RP8, MeOH–H₂O 7:3) 26 mg 1 and 8 mg 5. Gel permeation of fractions 15–18 on Sephadex LH-20 with MeOH yielded 15 mg 8. Known compounds were identified by comparing their spectral data with those of authentic material or with literature data.

3.4. Compound Characterization

(3R)-7-Hydroxy-8-methoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman (1). Colorless resin; ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 1 and Table 2; EI-MS: m/z (rel. int.): 286 [M]⁺ (100), 178 [M − C₆H₄(OH)CH₃]⁺ (40), 107 [C₇H₇O hydroxytropylium]⁺ (100); HR-EI-MS 286.1205 (calcd. for C₁₇H₁₈O₄, 286.1205).

(3R)-7-Methoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman (2). Colorless resin; ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 1 and Table 2; EI-MS m/z (rel. int.): 270 [M]⁺ (100), 162 [M − C₆H₄(OH)CH₃]⁺ (40), 107 [C₇H₇O hydroxytropylium]⁺ (100); HR-EI-MS 270.1256 (calcd. for C₁₇H₁₈O₃, 270.1256); ${\left[\mathsf{\alpha }\right]}_{24}^D$ = (+)30.0 (c = 2 × 10⁻³ g/100 mL, MeOH).

(3R)-5,7-Dimethoxy-6-methyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman (3). Colorless resin; ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 1 and Table 2; EI-MS m/z (rel. int.): 314 [M]⁺ (100), 206 [M − C₆H₄(OH)CH₃]⁺ (35), 107 [C₇H₇O hydroxytropylium]⁺ (30); HR-EI-MS 314.1518 (calcd. for C₁₉H₂₂O₄, 314.1518). ${\left[\mathsf{\alpha }\right]}_{24}^D$ = (+)50.7 (c = 15 × 10⁻³ g/100 mL, MeOH).

(3R)-7-Hydroxy-5-methoxy-6-methyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)chroman (4). Colorless resin; ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 1 and Table 2; EI-MS m/z (rel. int.): 300 [M]⁺ (100), 192 [M − C₆H₄(OH)CH₃]⁺ (30), 107 [C₇H₇O hydroxytropylium]⁺ (30); HR-EI-MS 300.1362 (calcd. for C₁₈H₂₀O₄, 300.1362). ${\left[\mathsf{\alpha }\right]}_{24}^{\mathrm{D}}$ = (+)53.8 (c = 21 × 10⁻³ g/100 mL, MeOH).

7-Hydroxy-8-methoxy-3-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-3-chromen (5). Pale yellow resin; ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 1 and Table 2; EI-MS m/z (rel. int.): 284 [M]⁺ (100), 177 [M − C₆H₄(OH)CH₂]⁺ (100), 107 [C₇H₇O hydroxytropylium]⁺ (85); HR-EI-MS 284.1059 (calcd. for C₁₇H₁₆O₄, 284.1059). ${\left[\mathsf{\alpha }\right]}_{24}^{\mathrm{D}}$ = (+)48.5 (c = 8 × 10⁻³ g/100 mL, MeOH).

Herrerin (9). Yellow needles, m.p. 228 °C; ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 3; IR ν_max (KBr) 3307, 2936, 1580, 1571, 1473, 1442, 1357, 1311, 1251, 1163, 1115, 1049, 963, 731, 673, 549, 433 cm⁻¹; EI-MS m/z (rel. int.): 236 [M]⁺ (98), 207 (14), 143 [M − C₈H₇N]⁺ (100); HR-EI-MS 236.0950 (calcd. for C₁₅H₁₂N₂O, 236.0950).

14α-Hydroxygitogenin ((25R)-5α-Spirostan-2α,3β,14α-triol) (11) isolated as 2O,3O-diacetate. White solid, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 4 and Table 5; IR ν_max (KBr) 3564, 2929, 2859, 1741, 1450, 1368, 1252, 1180, 1134, 1098, 1043, 981, 902, 869, 734, 675, 609 cm⁻¹; EI-MS m/z (rel. int.): 516 [M]⁺ (12), 457 [M − OAc]⁺ (6), 444 (20), 402 (18), 387 (28), 373 (32), 149 (56), 139 [C₉H₁₅O]⁺ (100); HR-EI-MS 516.3451 (calcd. for C₃₁H₄₈O₆, 516.3451).

14α-Hydroxyneotigogenin ((25S)-5α-Spirostan-3β,14α-diol) (14) isolated as 3O-acetate. White solid, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 4 and Table 5; EI-MS m/z (rel. int.): 516 [M]⁺ (12), 457 [M − OAc]⁺ (6), 444 (20), 402 (18), 387 (28), 373 (32), 149 (56), 139 (C₉H₁₅O)⁺ (100); HR-EI-MS 516.3451 (calcd. for C₃₁H₄₈O₆, 516.3451).

14α-Hydroxyneogitogenin ((25S)-5α-Spirostan-2α,3β,14α-triol) (15) isolated as 2O,3O-diacetate. White solid, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 4 and Table 5; IR ν_max (KBr) 3542, 2941, 1743, 1729, 1449, 1371, 1307, 1232, 1178, 1133, 1059, 1001, 945, 920, 900, 866, 735, 678, 649, 605 cm⁻¹; EI-MS m/z (rel. int.): 532 [M]⁺ (12), 514 [M − H₂O]⁺ (5), 473 [M − OAc]⁺ (10), 460 (20), 418 [460 − ketene]⁺ (15), 400 [460 − AcOH]⁺ (85), 385 [400 − Me]⁺ (8), 340 [400 − AcOH]⁺ (10), 167 (35), 149 (95), 139 [C₉H₁₅O]⁺ (100); HR-EI-MS 532.3400 (calcd. for C₃₁H₄₈O₇, 532.3400).

14α-Hydroxyyuccagenin ((25R)-Spirost-5-en-2α,3β,14α-triol) (16) isolated as 2O,3O-diacetate. White solid, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR see Table 4 and Table 5; IR ν_max (KBr) 3550, 2951, 2872, 1738, 1455, 1369, 1239, 1180, 1101, 1053, 980, 919, 900, 869, 732, 648, 606 cm⁻¹. EI-MS m/z (rel. int.): 530 [M]⁺ (1), 512 [M − H₂O]⁺ (1), 452 [512 − AcOH]⁺ (4), 392 [452 − AcOH]⁺ (12), 377 [392 − Me]⁺ (45), 177 (68), 139 [C₉H₁₅O]⁺ (50), 43 (100); HR-EI-MS 530.3244 (calcd. for C₃₁H₄₆O₇, 530.3244).

4. Conclusions

Several new compounds, including the rare homoisoflavanes 2–5, a new alkaloid 9 belonging to a novel skeleton type and three new spirostane steroids 11, 15 and 16 were isolated and identified from the roots of H. montevidensis. The findings show clear chemotaxonomic relations with the Liliaceae and Agavaceae plant family, but with distinctive compounds that up to this point have not been identified in other species. To confirm the possible effect of the crude drug in traditional medicine, additional studies are needed, including bioactivity testing using suitable bioassays and chemical profiling of the extracts using hyphenated techniques.