Six steroidal glycosides and 14 known compounds were isolated from the underground parts of Yucca glauca
(Agavaceae). Their structures were determined from extensive spectroscopic analysis, including analysis
of two-dimensional NMR data, and from chemical transformations. The compounds were also
evaluated for cytotoxic activities against HL-60 human leukemia cells and A549 human lung adenocarcinoma
cells. Four spirostanol glycosides and three furostanol glycosides exhibited cytotoxic activities
against both HL-60 and A549 cells. Two of the compounds induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells.