Furostanol steroidal saponins, also called bidesmosidic steroidal saponins, typically bear two sugar chains at the 3 - and 26 - positions of the steroidal skeleton, respectively. They are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and have very diverse structures with a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities. However, little attention has been given to this class of compounds until 1966, because of their structural comlexity and liability associated with the unique opened F - ring structure. In this review, all furostanol saponins, 214 in total, found through 1999 are listed. Their structures, physical and chemical properties, and biosynthetic routes are summarized.

Key words: BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY, BIOGENETIC SYNTHESIS, STEROIDS