Abstract
Four triterpenoid saponins (1–4) have been isolated from the berries of Hedera helix L. (Araliaceae) by droplet counter‐current and preparative liquid chromatography. The structures have been established by FD./MS. and 13C‐NMR. spectroscopy. The isolated compounds were found to possess strong molluscicidal activity against the bilharziasis‐transmitting snail Biomphalaria glabrata. Saponin 4, identified as hederagenin 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, is a new natural product.