Phytochemical Properties and Pharmacological Activities of Pregnane Glycosides

Pregnane glycosides constitute a class of steroidal natural products characterised by a pregnane backbone decorated with one or more sugar moieties. These compounds have been identified in a range of Apocynaceae plants, notably within genera such as Caralluma and Hoodia. Structurally, pregnane glycosides comprise a C21 steroid aglycone linked through glycosidic bonds to monosaccharides or oligosaccharides, imparting significant polarity and influencing pharmacokinetic behaviour. Phytochemical investigations have revealed considerable diversity in sugar type, linkage position and aglycone oxidation state, leading to a spectrum of bioactivities. Pharmacologically, pregnane glycosides demonstrate anorectic, cardiotonic, antimicrobacterial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Mechanistic studies indicate interactions with membrane receptors, modulation of ion channels and inhibition of key enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase and microbial biofilm formation pathways. Preclinical evaluations underscore the potential of these compounds as templates for novel therapeutics against obesity, cardiovascular disorders and drug-resistant infections. Advances in analytical techniques, including high-resolution mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and bioassay-guided fractionation, have facilitated the rapid characterisation of new analogues. Concurrently, synthetic and semi-synthetic approaches are addressing supply limitations by enabling gram-scale production and structural modifications to optimise potency and selectivity. The global significance of pregnane glycosides is reflected in ongoing efforts to assess safety profiles, elucidate absorption and metabolism, and explore formulation strategies that enhance bioavailability. Collectively, this body of work highlights the interdisciplinary nature of pregnane glycoside research, bridging natural-product chemistry, pharmacology and drug development.

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Phytochemical Properties and Pharmacological Activities of Pregnane Glycosides publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and pharmacological activities of pregnane glycosides across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Pregnane glycosides: Steroidal natural products composed of a C21 pregnane aglycone linked to one or more sugar residues, notable for diverse bioactivities.

Biofilm: A structured microbial community encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix, often resistant to conventional antibiotics.

Bioassay-guided fractionation: A methodological approach in phytochemistry where biological testing directs the isolation and identification of active compounds from complex extracts.

Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀): The concentration of a substance required to inhibit a given biological process or component by 50%, commonly used to quantify potency.

References

1. Bioguided Isolation of Antibiofilm and Antibacterial Pregnane Glycosides from Caralluma quadrangula: Disarming Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Antibiotics (2021).
2. Documentation of bioactive principles of the flower from Caralluma retrospiciens (Ehrenb) and in vitro antibacterial activity – Part B. Arabian Journal of Chemistry (2020).