Ten triterpenoid glycosides have been isolated from the roots of Medicago sativa L. (Leguminosae) including eight new glycosides and two previously known, medicagenic acid 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and hederagenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside]. Four new saponins were identified as glycosides of medicagenic acid, four from hederagenin. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of chemical and spectroscopic techniques (IR, EI/MS, NMR 1H and 13C). In some cases we used fast atom bombardment mass spectra (FAB/MS), NMR 1H difference spectra (homonuclear double resonance, Overhauser effect), NMR 13C partially decoupled spectra (off resonance), and two-dimensional 1H-1H correlating spectra (COSY 1H-1H). The inhibitory effects of these glycosides on growth and seed germinations and on some phytopathogenic bacteria have also been tested.