Saponins associated with Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy across multiple diseases. However, certain high-yield saponins face limited clinical applications due to their reduced pharmacological efficacy. This study synthesized and evaluated 36 saponin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives of ginsenosides Rg1/Rb1 and notoginsenoside R1 for anti-adipogenesis activity in vitro. The research revealed that the ginsenosides Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 demonstrates superior adipogenesis inhibitory effects. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) analysis indicates that incorporating an amidyl-substituted 1,2,3-triazole into the saponin side chain via Click reaction enhances anti-adipogenesis activity. Additionally, several other derivatives exhibit general adipogenesis inhibition. Compound a17 demonstrated enhanced potency compared to the parent ginsenoside Rg1. Mechanistic investigations revealed that a17 exhibits dose-dependent inhibition of adipogenesis in vitro, accompanied by decreased expression of preadipocytes. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) adipogenesis regulators. These findings establish the ginsenoside Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 as a promising adipocyte differentiation inhibitor and potential therapeutic agent for obesity and associated metabolic disorders. This research provides a foundation for developing effective therapeutic approaches for various metabolic syndromes.
Adipogenesis/drug effects* ; Triazoles/chemical synthesis* ; Ginsenosides/chemical synthesis* ; Saponins/chemical synthesis* ; Animals ; Mice ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; PPAR gamma/genetics* ; 3T3-L1 Cells ; Adipocytes/metabolism* ; Panax notoginseng/chemistry* ; Drug Design ; Molecular Structure ; Humans ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins/genetics*

Ginsenoside Rh_2,firstly isolated from red ginseng,is protopanaxadiol type of steroidal saponin. Rh_2 possessed variety of activities,but bioavailability of oral administration Rh_2 was extremely low due to poor absorption. Moreover,ginsenoside Rh_2 exhibited toxicity on human normal cells. Therefore,to improve stronger anti-tumor activity and attenuate toxicity,it was essential to design and optimize chemical structure of ginsenoside Rh_2. Through n-octanoylchloride modifications,a novel ester derivative of ginsenoside Rh_2 named caprylic acid monoester of Rh_2( C-Rh_2) was designed and synthesized. Structure of novel ginsenoside derivative was identified by1 D and 2 D NMR,as well as ESI-MS analyses. Anti-tumor effect of C-Rh_2 was tested on H22 tumor bearing mice. C-Rh_2 displayed certain anti-tumor activities and exhibited less toxicity than Rh_2. In the present study,C-Rh_2 as ester form of ginsenoside Rh_2 showed better anti-tumor activity and less toxicity,but the specific mechanism needs further investigation.
Animals ; Caprylates ; Ginsenosides ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Molecular Structure ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; drug therapy ; Saponins