anagenin

Anagenin is a natural product classified as a triterpenoid sapogenin. It is the aglycone part (non-sugar moiety) of certain plant saponins and is frequently encountered in natural products chemistry as a reference compound for sapogenin analysis.

Chemistry and classification. Anagenin belongs to pentacyclic triterpenoids and possesses the sterol-like multi-ring skeleton characteristic of sapogenins. As with many sapogenins, its structure includes oxygen-containing functional groups that influence its polarity and solubility. The exact stereochemistry and substituents can vary depending on the plant source.

Occurrence. Anagenin has been isolated from several plant species where saponins are present. In the literature, it is often reported as the aglycone after hydrolysis of the saponin glycoside. It is used by researchers as a standard or reference compound in phytochemical investigations.

Biological activity and research. Biological studies of anagenin have reported a range of activities in vitro, including cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects in some assays. However, these results are limited, frequently context-dependent, and there is no clinical evidence supporting therapeutic use.

See also. Sapogenin, Saponin, Triterpenoid.