Synthesis and antitumor activity of icogenin and its analogue

Natural saponin icogenin, namely 25(S)-22-O-methyl-furost-5-en-3β,26-dio-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-β-d-glucopyranoside, and one of its analogues, 25(S)-22-O-methyl-furost-5-en-3β,26-dio-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-α-d-glucopyranoside, were first synthesized via line strategy and convergent approach, respectively. It was observed that icogenin and its analogue show potent antitumor activity in vitro.