Synthesis of esters of ginsenoside metabolite M1 and their cytotoxicity on MGC80-3 cells.

Monoesters of ginsenoside metabolite M1 at the 3-OH, 4-OH and 6-OH positions of the glucose moiety at M1 were synthesized via the reaction of M1 with acyl chloride, or acid-N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide in the presence of DMAP. Their structures were fully characterized by spectral methods. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against then MGC80-3 human gastric cancer cell line was also assessed. High inhibitory effects were found at a concentration of 100 μg/mL.