Regioselective synthesis and structures of anti-cancer 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 derivatives

Abstract

Regioselective synthesis of three novel palmitates of 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg₃ was accomplished via a facile strategy, along with complete assignment of their ¹H and ¹³C NMR resonances by 1D and 2D NMR (¹H-¹H COSY, DEPT 135, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) techniques. The derivatives were tested for in vitro anti-proliferative activities against pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells. Compounds 2, 3, and 4 exhibited more potent activity than did 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg₃.

Keywords: 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3; Anti-cancer; regioselective synthesis.