Cycloartane-type triterpenoids from Sphaerophysa salsula

Four novel cycloartanes, named sphaerophysone A (1), B (2), C (3) and D (4), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Sphaerophysa salsula (Pall.) DC. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral evidence, and the stereochemistry of compound 1 was defined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Sphaerophysone B (2) may be an artifact formed in the isolation procedure.