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Solanum surattense Burm. f. is a significant member of the Solanaceae family, and the Solanum genus is renowned for its traditional medicinal uses and bioactive potential. This systematic review adheres to PRISMA methodology, analyzing scientific publications between 1753 and 2023 from B-on, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, aiming to provide comprehensive and updated information on the distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of S. surattense, highlighting its potential as a source of herbal drugs. Ethnomedicinally, this species is important to treat skin diseases, piles complications, and toothache. The fruit was found to be the most used part of this plant (25%), together with the whole plant (22%) used to treat different ailments, and its decoction was found to be the most preferable mode of herbal drug preparation. A total of 338 metabolites of various chemical classes were isolated from S. surattense, including 137 (40.53%) terpenoids, 56 (16.56%) phenol derivatives, and 52 (15.38%) lipids. Mixtures of different parts of this plant in water–ethanol have shown in vitro and/or in vivo antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumoral, hepatoprotective, and larvicidal activities. Among the metabolites, 51 were identified and biologically tested, presenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral as the most reported activities. Clinical trials in humans made with the whole plant extract showed its efficacy as an anti-asthmatic agent. Mostly steroidal alkaloids and triterpenoids, such as solamargine, solanidine, solasodine, solasonine, tomatidine, xanthosaponin A–B, dioscin, lupeol, and stigmasterol are biologically the most active metabolites with high potency that reflects the new and high potential of this species as a novel source of herbal medicines. More experimental studies and a deeper understanding of this plant must be conducted to ensure its use as a source of raw materials for pharmaceutical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions affecting oral health, are primarily driven by microbial plaque biofilm and the body’s inflammatory response, leading to tissue damage and potential tooth loss. These diseases have significant physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts, necessitating effective management strategies that include early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and innovative therapeutic approaches. Recent advancements in biomanufacturing have facilitated the development of natural bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and peptides, which exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue regenerative properties. This review explores the biomanufacturing processes—microbial fermentation, plant cell cultures, and enzymatic synthesis—and their roles in producing these bioactive compounds for managing periodontal diseases. The integration of these natural compounds into periodontal therapy offers promising alternatives to traditional treatments, potentially overcoming issues like antibiotic resistance and the disruption of the natural microbiota, thereby improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of Ilex paraguariensis (known as Yerba mate), used as a popular beverage, are a very well-recognized plant material with various biological activities, including analeptic (because of caffeine), anti-obesity (phenolics, saponins), antimicrobial, and antiviral (phenolics, saponins). Here, the chemical compositions of the leaves of two European Ilex species (× meserveae and aquifolium) with three varieties each were investigated. The terpenoid, saponin, and polyphenolic fractions were submitted for LC-MS or GC-MS analysis against a standard Mate leaf. In addition, the aroma profiles of all the species were analysed using HS-SPME-Arrow prior to GC-MS analysis. All fractions were subjected to antiviral and cytotoxic assays. We found 86 compounds in all accessions, with limonene, linalool, and p-cymene being predominant. There were minor similarities between the volatile compositions of the European and South American species. We found ursolic and oleanolic acid to be the main compounds in the terpenoid fraction. Mono-caffeoylquinic acids and di-caffeoylquinic acids were the main constituents of the polar fractions. About 180 compounds from the saponin group were tentatively identified, of which 9 and 3 were selected as distinctive markers for I. meserveae and I. aquifolium, respectively. Based on chemical screening, I. aquifolium Silver Queen was chosen as the source of terpenoid and saponin fractions and polyphenol extracts. The most substantial inhibition of cancer cell growth was observed with saponin in the case of the MCF7 (human breast cancer) cell line, while for LoVo and L929 cell lines (human colorectal cancer and reference mouse fibroblasts), it was slightly weaker. These results should be analysed further as a promising chemoprevention of colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers. Saponin and polyphenolic extracts exhibited similar activities against HSV-1 and HAdV-5, with 4-log reduction in virus titres. This study focuses our attention on a field of potential antiviral formulations derived from European holly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the impacts of saponin, extracted from the fruits of Acacia Concinna, in its effectiveness as a dispersant and stabilizer during the pipeline conveyance of iron ore particles. The basic fundamental characteristics of iron ore, which comprises a majority of hematite and has a size of (≤75 µm), have been examined and characterized. Iron ore water slurry (IWS) rheological behavior has been investigated as a function of saponin doses, pH, particle concentration, and the shear rate-shear stress correlation. The change in zeta potential with pH is used to compute the isoelectric point of IWS. An appropriate mechanism has been presented to explicate the interaction between saponin and particles of Iron ore. The surface-modified particles exhibit improved dispersion characteristics in the aqueous solution due to the modification of electrostatic force that the surface charge on each particle causes. Investigation indicates that the optimal proportion of saponin had a significant favorable effect on the fluidity and stability of the suspension. The analysis of the economic impact of the dispersant has been conducted through the evaluation of slurry head loss and specific energy consumption (SEC) pertaining to the implementation of the IWS pipeline in its intended commercial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemonchosis is an infection caused by the Haemonchus contortus worm, a blood-sucking gastrointestinal parasite that can also infect humans. Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq leaves have been shown to have anthelmintic activity due to the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. This study aimed to determine the anthelmintic activity of ethanol extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq leaves against H. contortus. The infective H. contortus larvae were divided into six treatment groups: a 0.5% ethanol extract concentration group, a 1% ethanol extract concentration group, a 2% ethanol extract concentration group, a 4% ethanol extract concentration group, a positive control group (+), and a negative control group (-), each with four replicates. The study was conducted in six hours, with observations made at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th hours. The results showed that the death of the larvae increased with higher ethanol extract concentrations and longer exposure to the ethanol extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq leaves. The time of death for infective H. contortus larvae given the ethanol extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq leaves was at the 4th hour, and the effective dose of the ethanol extract as an anthelmintic was at the concentration of 0.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of addressing climate change, it becomes essential to anticipate how it will affect plant biodiversity and the way plants adapt physiologically and morphologically to challenging environmental circumstances. To gain a comprehensive understanding of how plants adapt to adverse climatic conditions, we conducted a year-long study with three distinct water stress levels: 25% (sample 1), 50% (sample 2), and 75% (sample 3). The findings revealed a general decrease in primary metabolites (including proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, lipids, and essential minerals like Mg, Fe, K, and Mn) as the water stress level increased. In contrast, secondary metabolites (such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and coumarins) exhibited an increase with rising water stress, although a decline became evident as conditions worsened. The same trend was observed in essential oil yield. Furthermore, gas chromatography analysis of essential oils from the plants indicated significant alterations in their chemical composition due to the influence of stressful environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the saponin extracted from the roots of Andrographis paniculata for the phytochemical content and antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The phytochemicals present in the methanol and aqueous root extracts included alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, glycosides, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, proteins, steroids, chlorogenics and carbohydrates. A. paniculata root saponin expressed antibacterial properties against four Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumoniae), four Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Micrococcus luteus), and two fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans); the saponin also inhibited the proliferation of HePG2 cells, with an IC50 value of 125 µg mL−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of noncovalent interactions between natural products and proteins is important for rapid screening of active ingredients and understanding their pharmacological activities. In this work, the intensity fading MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry (IF‐MALDI‐MS) method with improved reproducibility was implemented to investigate the binding interactions between saponins from Panax notoginseng and lysozyme. The benchmark IF‐MALDI‐MS experiment was established using N,N′,N″‐triacetylchitotriose‐lysozyme as a model system. The reproducibility of ion intensities in IF‐MALDI‐MS was improved by scanning the whole sample deposition with a focused laser beam. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of deposition scanning IF‐MALDI‐MS is 5.7%. Similar decay trends of the relative intensities of notoginseng saponins against increasing amounts of lysozyme were observed for all six notoginseng saponins. The half‐maximal fading concentration (FC50) was calculated to quantitatively characterize the binding affinity of each ligand based on the decay curve. According to the FC50 values obtained, the binding affinities of the six notoginseng saponins were evaluated in the following order: notoginsenoside S > notoginsenoside Fc > ginsenoside Rb1 > ginsenoside Rd > notoginsenoside Ft1 > ginsenoside Rg1. The binding order was in accordance with molecular docking studies, which showed hydrogen bonding might play a key role in stabilizing the binding interaction. Our results demonstrated that deposition scanning IF‐MALDI‐MS can provide valuable information on the noncovalent interactions between ligands and proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to determine the effects of sesamin, saponin, sesamin+saponin, tahini, gypsophila extract and tahini+gypsophila extract on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels in experimentally induced type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in mice. 92 Swiss albino male mice were used. After 8 mice were separated as healthy control (HC) group, T2DM was induced by high-fat feeding and streptozotocin (STZ) application. 84 T2DM mice were divided into 7 groups; diabetes control (DC), sesamin (D+SS), saponin (D+SP), sesamin+saponin (D+SS+SP), tahini (D+T), gypsophila extract (D+C) and tahini+gypsophila extract (D+T+C) were applied for 2 weeks. At the end of the research, the animals were euthanized and serum was obtained. Serum AST, ALT, BUN and creatinine levels were measured on an autoanalyzer. AST level was higher than D+SP group (p<0.05), but like D+SP, D+T and DC groups (p>0.05). The AST level of the HC group was lower than DC, D+SP, D+SS+SP and D+T groups (p<0.05). While the ALT levels of DC and D+SP groups were similar to others (p>0.05), they were different from the other groups (p<0.05). While the BUN values of HC and DC groups were similar (p>0.05), BUN values of the two groups were different from the other groups (p<0.05). While the creatinine levels of HC, DC, D+SP and D+T groups were like each other (p>0.05), they were different from the other groups (p<0.05). As a result, it can be stated that the applied substances may have positive effects on T2DM liver and kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current evidence suggests a beneficial role of herbal products in free radical-induced diseases. Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen has long occupied a leading position in traditional Chinese medicine because of the ergogenic, nootropic, and antistress activities, although these properties are also acknowledged in the Western world. The goal of this paper is to review the pharmacological and toxicological properties of P. notoginseng and discuss its potential therapeutic effect. A literature search was carried out on Pubmed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The following search terms were used: “notoginseng”, “gut microbiota”, “immune system”, “inflammation”, “cardiovascular system”, “central nervous system”, “metabolism”, “cancer”, and “toxicology”. Only peer-reviewed articles written in English, with the full text available, have been included. Preclinical evidence has unraveled the P. notoginseng pharmacological effects in immune-inflammatory, cardiovascular, central nervous system, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases by acting on several molecular targets. However, few clinical studies have confirmed the therapeutic properties of P. notoginseng, mainly as an adjuvant in the conventional treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Further clinical studies, which both confirm the efficacy of P. notoginseng in free radicalrelated diseases and delve into its toxicological aspects, are mandatory to broaden its therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common approach to cancer therapy is the combination of a natural product with chemotherapy to overcome sustained cell proliferation and chemotherapy resistance obstacles. Diosgenin (DG) is a phytosteroidal saponin that is naturally present in a vast number of plants and has been shown to exert anti-cancer activities against several tumor cells. Herein, we assessed the chemo-modulatory effects of DG on volasertib (Vola) as a polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitor and doxorubicin (DOX) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. DOX and Vola were applied to two human HCC cell lines (HepG2 and Huh-7) alone or in combination with DG. The cell viability was determined, and gene expressions of PLK1, PCNA, P53, caspase-3, and PARP1 were evaluated by RT-qPCR. Moreover, apoptosis induction was determined by measuring active caspase-3 level using ELISA method. DG enhanced the anticancer effects of Vola and DOX. Moreover, DG enhanced Vola- and DOX-induced cell death by downregulating the expressions of PLK1 and PCNA, elevating the expressions of P53 and active caspase-3. DG showed promising chemo-modulatory effects to Vola and DOX against HCC that may be attributed partly to the downregulation of PLK1 and PCNA, upregulation of tumor suppressor protein P53, and apoptosis induction. Thus, DG combination with chemotherapy may be a promising treatment approach for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps., also known as Quisqualis indica, belongs to the combretaceae family. Literature suggests the hardy nature and predominant presence of medically important phytometabolites within these plants. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical constituents of the Combretum indicum flower extracts. Flower extracts were prepared using Aqueous, ethanol, n-Hexane and petroleum ether as the solvents of choice. Qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of phytometabolites including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, quinines, steroids, saponins etc. Among these solvents ethanolic flower extract showed better results. The quantitative analysis of flower extract indicated the presence good quantity of flavonoids and phenols respectively. Anti-oxidant activity was tested using DPPH scavenging assay. Characterization of phytochemicals was done by using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, FTIR analysis and thin layer chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health is the most important and primary thing in human life. Industry and human lifestyle development have both positive and negative impacts. One of the adverse consequences to be aware of is the proliferation of a variety of degenerative diseases. Sidaguri leaves (Sida rhombifolia L.) grow naturally on roadsides, grasslands, forests, fields, areas exposed to bright sunlight, and slightly sheltered places. It is a plant that is widespread in tropical areas ranging from lowlands to 1,450 m above sea level throughout the world. The plant's chemical content includes alkaloids, hypoparin, flavonoids, triterpenoids, sterols, sugars, vaccissinol, vaccissinone, betaine, and phenylalanineSidaguri leaves (Sida rhombifolia L.) are medicinal plants from the Malvaceae family. Almost all parts of this plant can be used for medicinal purposes, particularly in alternative medicine. This study aimed to determine the total saponin content in a 70% ethanol extract of Sida rhombifolia L. Sidaguri leaves, extracted using the maceration method and a 70% ethanol solvent. Using vanillin, H2SO4, and diosgenin as standards, we used UV-Vis spectrophotometry to find out how much total saponin was present. We measured antioxidant activity using the DPPH free radical scavenging test. The test showed that the 70% Sidaguri ethanol extract had a total saponin content of 196.28 ± 1.60 mg DE/g. It also had an IC50 value of 208.63 ± 7.73 mg/mL against DPPH in the antioxidant activity test. This shows the potential of Sidaguri leaf extract as a natural antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk. Decne (LP) is a medicinal herb from the Asclepiadaceae family with many advantageous properties. The goal of this research is to identify, quantify, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of LP to validate its remarkable therapeutic advantages. The hot soxhlet extraction method was employed to prepare different extracts of LP (stem and root). These extracts were evaluated physiochemically to check their impurity, purity, and quality; qualitatively to detect different phytochemicals; and quantitatively for phenol, saponin, tannin, flavonoid, and alkaloid contents. Then, the in vitro antioxidant potential was estimated by DPPH, NO, H2O2 scavenging assays, and MC and FRAP assays. The most prevalent phytochemicals of LP were then analysed by AAS, FT-IR, UV–visible, and GC-MS techniques. A higher extractive yield was shown by LPSE and LPRE (7.37 ± 0.11 and 5.70 ± 0.02). The LP stem showed better physicochemical and qualitative results than the root. The quantitative and in vitro antioxidant results indicated maximal phenols, tannins, and alkaloid contents in LPSE, which was further confirmed by UV–visible, FT-IR, and GC-MS results. The extraction methods (soxhlation or ultrasonication) were optimized by utilizing RSM to determine the impacts of multiple parameters. The study concluded that the plant has remarkable therapeutic advantages to promote additional clinical investigations and the mechanisms of its action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng has a long history of drug application in China, which can treat various diseases and achieve significant efficacy. Ginsenosides have always been deemed important ingredients for pharmacological activities. Based on the structural characteristics of steroidal saponins, ginsenosides are mainly divided into protopanaxadiol‐type saponins (PDS, mainly including Rb1, Rb2, Rd, Rc, Rh2, CK, and PPD) and protopanaxatriol‐type saponins (PTS, mainly including Re, R1, Rg1, Rh1, Rf, and PPT). The structure differences between PDS and PTS result in the differences of pharmacological activities. This paper provides an overview of PDS and PTS, mainly focusing on their chemical profile, pharmacokinetics, hydrolytic metabolism, and pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antifatigue, antiaging, immunodulation, antitumor, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and antidiabetes. It is intended to contribute to an in‐depth study of the relationship between PDS and PTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely abundant spice, known for its aroma and pungent flavor. It contains several bioactive compounds and offers a wide range of health benefits to humans, including those pertaining to nutrition, physiology, and medicine. Therefore, garlic is considered as one of the most effective diseasepreventive diets. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the sulfur-containing compounds, allicin and ajoene, for their effective anticancer, anti-diabetic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immune-boosting, and cardioprotective properties. As a rich natural source of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, saponins, tannins, linalool, geraniol, phellandrene, β-phellandrene, ajoene, alliin, S-allyl-mercapto cysteine, and β-phellandrene, garlic has many therapeutic applications and may play a role in drug development against various human diseases. In the current review, garlic and its major bioactive components alongwith their biological function andmechanisms of action for their role in disease prevention and therapy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi) is an economically important multifunctional tree species. Triterpenoid saponins have many functions in soapberry. However, the types of uridine diphosphate (UDP) glucosyltransferases (UGTs) involved in the synthesis of triterpenoid saponins in soapberry have not been clarified. Results: In this study, 42 SmUGTs were identified in soapberry, which were unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes and had sequence lengths of 450 bp to 1638 bp, with an average of 1388 bp. The number of amino acids in SmUGTs was 149 to 545, with an average of 462. Most SmUGTs were acidic and hydrophilic unstable proteins, and their secondary structures were mainly α-helices and random coils. All had conserved UDPGT and PSPG-box domains. Phylogenetic analysis divided them into four subclasses, which glycosylated different carbon atoms. Prediction of cis-acting elements suggested roles of SmUGTs in plant development and responses to environmental stresses. The expression patterns of SmUGTs differed according to the developmental stage of fruits, as determined by transcriptomics and RT-qPCR. Co-expression network analysis of SmUGTs and related genes/transcription factors in the triterpenoid saponin synthesis pathway was also performed. The results indicated potential roles for many transcription factors, such as SmERFs, SmGATAs and SmMYBs. A correlation analysis showed that 42 SmUGTs were crucial in saponin synthesis in soapberry. Conclusions: Our findings suggest optimal targets for manipulating glycosylation in soapberry triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis; they also provide a theoretical foundation for further evaluation of the functions of SmUGTs and analyses of their biosynthetic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a bioactive metabolite preparation widely used in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the efficacy and safety of Panax notoginseng saponins injections (PNSI) in patients with AIS after intravenous thrombolysis remain to be evaluated. Methods: This study included randomized controlled trials published before 26 April 2024 in 8 databases. AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolysis were included. The control group receiving conventional treatment and the treatment group receiving additional PNSI. Primary outcomes were selected as mortality, disability, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were selected as all-cause mortality, improvement of neurological deficit, quality of life, and cerebral injury indicators. The revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess risk of bias. Risk ratio (RR) and mean differences (MD) were calculated for binary variables and continuous variables, respectively, based on a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: A total of 20 trials involving 1,856 participants were included. None of them reported mortality or disability. There was no significant difference in the adverse events [RR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.81] and hemorrhagic transformation [RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.36 to 2.70] between the two groups. Compared to the control group, the treatment group had a better effect in neurological improvement assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [MD: -2.91; 95% CI: -4.76 to -1.06], a better effect in activities of daily living changes in Barthel Index [MD: 9.37; 95% CI: 1.86 to 16.88], and a lower serum neuron-specific enolase level [MD: -2.08; 95% CI: -2.67 to -1.49]. Conclusion: For AIS patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis, the use of PNSI improved neurological deficits and enhanced activity of daily living in the short term without increasing the occurrence rate of adverse events. However, due to the moderate to very low certainty of evidence, it is advisable to conduct highquality clinical trials to validate the findings of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave pretreatment, utilizing microwave thermal radiation to disrupt plant cell walls before the traditional extraction process, shows great promise in overcoming key challenges such as low extraction efficiency, high energy consumption, and excessive solvent usage in industrial licorice extraction. This study explored the effects of microwave pretreatment on cell structure, components content, and physical properties of licorice. Results revealed that microwave pretreatment disrupted the structural integrity of licorice cells, leading to a notable increase in the content of active ingredients. Specifically, the total of the five components peaked when treated at 500 W for 4 min. A comparison with the untreated group showed that glycyrrhizin, isoglycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin and glycyrrhizic acid increased by 29.09%, 25.09%, 21.82%, 16.04%, and 22.62%, respectively. Furthermore, differences in physical parameters such as electrical conductivity, solid content, pH, and relative density were observed between the microwave pretreated and untreated extracts, indicating variations in conductive substances, acidic components, substance quality, or types between the two extract groups. Infrared spectrum analysis demonstrated that microwave pretreatment did not alter the overall chemical composition of licorice extract, but increased the content of active substances such as flavonoids, saponins, amides, lipids, sugars, and proteins. In addition, the ratio of material to liquid postmicrowave pretreatment was 1 : 4, with each component's content being equivalent to 1 : 12 in the untreated group. These findings provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of microwave pretreatment in enhancing the content of active ingredients in licorice, while simultaneously reducing solvent usage and energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Strophantus belongs to the Apocynaceae family of flowering plants which grows primarily in tropical Africa. The plants are widely used in traditional herbal medicine. S. sarmentosus, in particular, is used for the treatment of, e.g., joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis, wound infections, head lice, diarrhea, snake bite, and eye conditions. Despite its widespread use, dedicated research characterizing its bioactive plant components is scarce. Investigations have focused mainly on its cardenolides because of their cardioactivity and historical use as cardiotonic. There are also studies concerning the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of plant extracts. This review summarizes the present knowledge surrounding the biochemical and analytical research on Strophantus, in general, and S. sarmentosus, in particular, and describes the current state of the field based on the available scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey) is known for its rich saponin compounds and tonic effects. To better utilize the medicinal value of ginseng, this study investigated the extraction process, components, free radical scavenging ability, and immunomodulatory activity of total saponins of ginseng fibrous roots. The response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction process of total saponins, and Q-Orbitrap high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the chemical constituents in the total saponins extract of ginseng fibrous roots (GRS). The results showed that the optimal extraction process was achieved with an ethanol concentration of 68%, a material–solvent ratio of 1:25 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min, yielding a total saponin content of 6.34% under these conditions. The extract contained four terpenoid compounds and four polyphenolic compounds. GRS exhibited considerable scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals, with IC50 values of 0.893 and 0.210 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, GRS restored immune suppression in mice by increasing white blood cell, red blood cell, and neutrophil counts, and improving the lymphocyte. It also promoted immune system recovery, as evidenced by elevated serum levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β in mice. GRS is a natural compound with promising potential for developing antioxidants and immunomodulatory foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were derived from saponin and introduced into polyacrylamide hydrogel to prepare a novel bifunctional material (CQDs@HG). This hydrogel emitted strong blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light (365 nm) and exhibited stable adsorption and detection of iron(III) in water samples. The morphological characteristics, chemical composition, Fe3+ adsorption performance, and optical properties of CQDs@HG were characterized. Depending upon the Fe3+ concentration, CQDs@HG exhibited different quenching effects to allow Fe3+ determination. The limit of detection was 0.115 μM, and the adsorption was as high as 12.13 mg/g. The mechanism was due to both static and dynamic quenching. Notably, the sensor based on CQDs@HG successfully determined Fe3+ in water samples, with spiked recoveries between 95.32% and 103.11%. When combined with software image analysis, the sensor semi-quantitatively determined Fe3+ in the field. This fluorescent hydrogel provides a reference for constructing portable sensors for monitoring hazardous substances in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) is often known as mustard and is grown worldwide owing to its health-promoting characteristics associated with the presence of nutrients and phytochemicals. Along with the nutritional components, B. campestris also contains anti-nutrients (phytates, oxalates, tannins, alkaloids, saponins) that can cause adverse severe health effects to consumers, including rashes, nausea, headaches, bloating and nutritional deficiencies. In the present study, heating (blanching) and fermentation (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) treatments were applied to reduce the load of the anti-nutrients of B. campestris leaves harvested at three different growth stages: the first stage (fourth week), the second stage (sixth week) and the third stage (eighth week). Results revealed that fermentation treatment using Lp. plantarum increases the ash (5.4 to 6%), protein (9 to 10.4%) and fiber (9.6 to 10.7%) contents, whereas moisture (0.91 to 0.82%), fat (9.9 to 9.1%) and carbohydrate (64.5 to 64.2%) contents decreased among B. campestris samples, and the trend was similar for all three stages. Blanching and fermentation lead to the reduction in phytates (46, 42%), saponins (34, 49%), tannins (1, 10%), oxalates (15, 7%) and alkaloids (10, 6%), separately as compared to raw samples of B. campestris leaves. In contrast, fermentation had no considerable effect on phytochemical contents (total phenolic and total flavonoids) and antioxidant potential (DPPH and FRAP). The action of blanching followed by fermentation caused more decline in the aforementioned toxicants load as compared to blanching or fermentation alone. Structural modifications in blanching and the biochemical conversions in fermentation lead to enhanced stability of nutrients and antioxidant potential. Taken together, these findings suggest blanching followed by fermentation treatments as a reliable, cost-effective and safer approach to curtail the anti-nutrient load without affecting the proximate composition, phytochemical attributes and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a widely used food ingredient, although excessive concentrations can pose potential health risks. In the present study, we evaluated the deterioration effects of NaNO2 additives on hematology, metabolic profile, liver function, and kidney function of male Wistar rats. We further explored the therapeutic potential of supplementation with S. costus root ethanolic extract (SCREE) to improve NaNO2-induced hepatorenal toxicity. In this regard, 65 adult male rats were divided into eight groups; Group 1: control, Groups 2, 3, and 4 received SCREE in 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, Group 5: NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight), Groups 6, 7 and 8 received NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight) in combination with SCREE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Our results revealed that the NaNO2-treated group shows a significant change in deterioration in body and organ weights, hematological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatorenal dysfunction, as well as immunohistochemical and histopathological alterations. Furthermore, the NaNO2-treated group demonstrated a considerable increase in the expression of TNF-α cytokine and tumor suppressor gene P53 in the kidney and liver, while a significant reduction was detected in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and the apoptosis suppressor gene BCL-2, compared to the control group. Interestingly, SCREE administration demonstrated the ability to significantly alleviate the toxic effects of NaNO2 and improve liver function in a dose-dependent manner, including hematological parameters, lipid profile, and modulation of histopathological architecture. Additionally, SCREE exhibited the ability to modulate the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in the liver and kidney. The phytochemical analysis revealed a wide set of primary metabolites in SCREE, including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, saponins and tannins, while the untargeted UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 183 metabolites in both positive and negative ionization modes. Together, our findings establish the potential of SCREE in mitigating the toxic effects of NaNO2 by modulating metabolic, inflammatory, and apoptosis. Together, this study underscores the promise of SCREE as a potential natural food detoxifying additive to counteract the harmful impacts of sodium nitrite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygalae Radix: is the dried root of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. or Polygala sibirica L., which has the effect of improving memory and cognitive function in traditional Chinese medicine. Modern pharmacological studies indicated that Polygalae Radix has rich pharmacological activities in vitro and in vivo, including protective effects on the nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system and respiratory system, as well as antioxidant and antiepileptic pharmacological activities. Up to now, more than 160 metabolites from Polygalae Radix were identified, including triterpenoid saponins, xanthones, oligosaccharide esters and et al. The clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine has proved that Polygalae Radix has a certain irritation to the throat, and a large or long-term use will stimulate the digestive tract, and the main toxic metabolite is saponins. Therefore, Polygalae Radix should be pr ocessed or used in combination with other Chinese herbal medicines to reduce the irritation to the throat and reduce gastrointestinal irritation. This article provides a review of the metabolites, pharmacological activity, and toxicology of Polygalae Radix. It also discusses the future research prospects and existing problems of Polygalae Radix, providing reference for further research on Polygalae Radix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is an ancient and valuable Chinese herbal medicine, and ginsenoside, as the main active ingredient of ginseng, has received wide attention because of its various pharmacological active effects. Cytochrome P450 is the largest family of enzymes in plant metabolism and is involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoids, alkaloids, lipids, and other primary and secondary plant metabolites. It is significant to explore more PgCYP450 genes with unknown functions and reveal their roles in ginsenoside synthesis. In this study, based on the five PgCYP450 genes screened in the pre-laboratory, through the correlation analysis with the content of ginsenosides and the analysis of the interactions network of the key enzyme genes for ginsenoside synthesis, we screened out those highly correlated with ginsenosides, PgCYP309, as the target gene from among the five PgCYP450 genes. Methyl jasmonate-induced treatment of ginseng adventitious roots showed that the PgCYP309 gene responded to methyl jasmonate induction and was involved in the synthesis of ginsenosides. The PgCYP309 gene was cloned and the overexpression vector pBI121-PgCYP309 and the interference vector pART27-PgCYP309 were constructed. Transformation of ginseng adventitious roots by the Agrobacterium fermentum-mediated method and successful induction of transgenic ginseng hairy roots were achieved. The transformation rate of ginseng hairy roots with overexpression of the PgCYP309 gene was 22.7%, and the transformation rate of ginseng hairy roots with interference of the PgCYP309 gene was 40%. Analysis of ginseng saponin content and relative gene expression levels in positive ginseng hairy root asexual lines revealed a significant increase in PPD, PPT, and PPT-type monomeric saponins Re and Rg2. The relative expression levels of PgCYP309 and PgCYP716A53v2 genes were also significantly increased. PgCYP309 gene promotes the synthesis of ginsenosides, and it was preliminarily verified that PgCYP309 gene can promote the synthesis of dammarane-type ginsenosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In order to improve the comprehensive utilization of oil tea seed meal and increase the comprehensive economic benefits of the oil tea industry. In this paper, the low eutectic solvent was used as the extraction system, and the ultrasonic extraction method was combined with the enzymatic method to jointly extract the tea saponins. It was further purified with a large-pore adsorption resin to develop a set of environmentally friendly, energy-saving, and efficient tea saponin extraction and purification processes. On this basis, the tea saponins extracted from oil tea seed meal were further analyzed for antioxidant capacity and bacteriostatic activity. The results provided the scientific experimental basis and theoretical support for the efficient use of oil tea by-products. Tea saponins have high surface-active and biological activities and are widely used in chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Tea saponins are usually extracted using ethanol or water, but both methods have their disadvantages, including a negative impact on the environment, high energy consumption, and low purity. In this study, we explored an effective process for extracting tea saponins from tea meal using deep eutectic solvents combined with ultrasonic extraction and enzymatic techniques. The experimental results showed that a high extraction efficiency of 20.93 ± 0.48% could be achieved in 20 min using an ultrasonic power of 40% and a binary DES consisting of betaine and ethylene glycol (with a molar ratio of 1:3) at a material–liquid ratio of 1:35 and that the purity of the tea saponins after purification by a large-pore adsorption resin reached 95.94%, which was higher than that of commercially available standard tea saponin samples. In addition, the extracted tea saponins were evaluated for their antioxidant and bacteriostatic activities using chemical and biological methods; the results showed that the tea saponins extracted using these methods possessed antioxidant properties and displayed significant antibacterial activity. Therefore, the present study developed a method for using deep eutectic solvents as an environmentally friendly technological solution for obtaining high-purity tea saponins from tea meal oil. This is expected to replace the current organic solvent and water extraction process and has great potential for industrial development and a number of possible applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GC–MS analysis showed that the major components of C. tuteliana are Phenol, 2,2′-methylenebis[6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)−4-methyl, 9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol, (Z,Z,Z), and n-Hexadecanoic acid. • The ethanolic extract of C. tuteliana displayed moderate antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of tested microorganisms. • C.tuteliana showed higher antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid. • C. tuteliana inhibited the growth and migration level of PC-3 human prostate cancer cells and increased the expressions of Caspase-3, 8, and 9. The genus Cephalaria , belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, is a rich source of secondary metabolites, including mainly saponins which display a variety of biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancerous effects. This study was carried out to observe the biochemical composition and to evaluate the biological activities of Cephalaria tuteliana Kus & Gokturk. The composition of endemic C. tuteliana was determined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) studies. Antimicrobial effect were determined by the disk diffusion and dilution methods for test bacteria and test fungi. The antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract was also investigated. Cell proliferation and apoptosis analysis were investigated by WST-1 and ELISA methods. The migration level of PC-3 prostate cancer cells after plant extract application was examined by wound healing assay. Also, molecular docking experiments were performed to investigate the anticancer activity of the major component found in the C.tuteliana extract. GC–MS analysis showed that the predominant compounds were Phenol, 2,2′-methylenebis [6-(1,1dimethyl ethyl)-4-methyl- (23.54 %), 9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol, (Z,Z,Z)-(6.06 %) and n-Hexadecanoic acid (3.03 %). The ethanolic extract of C. tuteliana displayed moderate antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of tested microorganisms. Also, it exhibited significant antiproliferative effects on PC-3 human prostate cancer cells while having no harmful effects on healthy control HUVEC cells. Furthermore, enhanced expressions of Caspase-3, 8, and 9 were observed in PC-3 cells after plant extract treatment. Also, cell migration level was notably reduced, especially at a dose of 400 µg/mL in PC-3 cells. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extracts of C. tuteliana showed higher activity than ascorbic acid. Molecular docking experiments showed potential binding of the major aromatic compound in C.tuteliana extract to human androgen receptor 1E3G protein. These findings highlight the potential of C. tuteliana as a valuable natural resource and pave the way for further in vivo prostate cancer investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Schima wallichii Korth., commonly known as the needlewood tree (family Theaceae) has therapeutic uses in traditional Mizo medicine for human helminthiasis and serves as a balm against ectoparasites in animals. Although the medicinal properties have been studied experimentally, its use as a traditional anthelmintic remains unexplored. This study aimed to analyze the chemical components and antiparasitic activity of S. wallichii. Materials and Methods: The chemical analysis of S. wallichi bark extracts was conducted focusing on the secondary metabolites using petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the specific compounds. An anthelmintic susceptibility test was carried out against Raillietina tetragona, intestinal cestode parasite of fowl. Results: The methanol extract yielded the highest concentrations of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, sterols, saponins, and tannins among all the extracts. Sterols were the most abundant compounds in all extracts, with flavonoids being absent. Secondary metabolites were largely absent in the petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. The GC-MS data identified cholest-22-ene-21-ol as the major steroid component. The cestode parasite was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the plant extract. The plant extract's anthelmintic activity was evident through observable damage to the parasite's outer structure. Conclusion: Phytosterols in S. wallichii bark are responsible for its anthelmintic properties. The mechanism and pharmaceutical properties of the anthelmintic molecule require further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increases in the temperature of nutrient solutions have restricted the use of hydroponic cultivation in the tropics, predominantly due to plant stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of temperature stress under different hydroponic systems on the growth and saponin content of Talinum paniculatum cuttings. Three hydroponic systems, i.e., deep flow technique (DFT), nutrient film technique (NFT), and aeroponic, were tested. The temperature of the nutrient solution was set for each system, i.e., under ambient temperature (UAT) and with controlled temperature (WCT) at 26° C. The cultivation period was 60 days. The result showed peroxidation activity and proline accumulation for the adventitious roots of T. paniculatum cuttings with UAT and WCT, alongside various levels of plasma membrane damage. Levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline were analyzed by spectrophotometer. Membrane damage was analyzed with Evans blue dye. The results indicated that the levels of MDA and proline accumulation under the three hydroponic systems were higher for the WCT than for the UAT treatment. In contrast, vegetative growth was higher in UAT than in WCT. The saponin content of the adventitious root correlated with the MDA level. Saponin production was triggered by oxidative stress during cultivation, while the adventitious roots had a higher saponin content in all three hydroponic systems with the WCT treatment compared to the UAT treatment. Among the systems, aeroponic was superior for biomass and saponin. Root growth was promoted in the nutrient solution under ambient temperature whereas the production of saponins was stimulated under the controlled temperature. In the aeroponic system, root biomass values of 1.17 and 0.478 g dry weight were obtained under ambient and controlled temperatures, respectively. The total saponin contents differed slightly, namely 189.83 and 195.61 mg/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants serve as reservoirs of bioactive compounds endowed by nature, rendering them promising subjects for investigating chemical diversity. Despite their potential, much remains untapped, whether in standardized extracts or isolated pure compounds. This unexplored terrain has paved the way for significant discoveries in pharmaceuticals. Notably, research has delved into the medicinal properties of Mallotus philippensis, a prominent plant in South Asia. Employing meticulous extraction techniques such as maceration, the fruit of this plant underwent initial antimicrobial screening, revealing encouraging results. Subsequent fractionation of the plant's extracts via liquid–liquid extractions, utilizing dichloromethane and absolute ethanol, facilitated further analysis. Evaluating these fractions for antibacterial activity demonstrated efficacy against various pathogenic microorganisms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, notably by the ethanolic and dichloromethane extracts. Furthermore, a comprehensive phytochemical analysis unveiled the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, phenols, and tannins. An assessment of the extracts' antioxidant potential via the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay showcased significant activity, with a radical scavenging rate of 97%. This underscores the significance of utilizing fruit remnants, which are often rich in valuable chemical constituents yet commonly discarded, thereby adding value to both the species and the environment. Further investigation focused on the composition of Mallotus philippensis fruit, encompassing volatile and non-volatile metabolites through HPLC-MS analysis. Additionally, this study introduced the application of ionic liquid-loaded polysulfone microcapsules to enrich target constituents from crude extracts. An exploration of the key separation conditions, results, and recycling performance of these microcapsules provided insights for future research endeavors. Overall, this comprehensive study of Mallotus philippensis fruit extracts establishes a foundation for the ongoing exploration and development of this medicinal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avocado (Persea americana) crop suffers important economic losses due to fungal diseases. Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Amphipterygium adstringens are saponins-producing species and their crude extracts have shown antimicrobial activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate in vitro antifungal activity of aqueous extracts from E. cyclocarpum (leaves and bark), A. adstringens (branches), and their saponins-rich fractions against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, an avocado pathogen. The fungus was isolated from avocado fruits from Uruapan Michoacan (Mexico) and its molecular identification was performed by sequencing. Saponins-rich fractions (SRF) were obtained by partitioning infusions with n-butanol followed by precipitation with acetone. Antifungal activity of infusions and SRF was evaluated by the agar diffusion method and the strongest growth inhibition of C. gloeosporioides (33%) was achieved with the SRF of E. cyclocarpum bark. Erythrocyte hemolysis was observed with the three infusions and the sarsasapogenin was putatively identified in the product of Amphipterygium branch aqueous extract (ARA) acid hydrolysis by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). These results highlight the antifungal potential of saponins from this medicinal plant against avocado pathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six ionone glycosides (1–3 and 5–7), including three new ones, named capitsesqsides A−C (1–3), together with an eudesmane sesquiterpenoid glycoside (4) and three known triterpenoid saponins (8–10) were isolated from Rhododendron capitatum. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic techniques (MS, UV, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR) and comparison with data reported in the literature. The absolute configurations were determined by comparison of the experimental and theoretically calculated ECD curves and LC-MS analyses after acid hydrolysis and derivatization. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were evaluated in the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Molecular docking demonstrated that 2 has a favorable affinity for NLRP3 and iNOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate in women and it has a poor response rate to treatment due to its late diagnosis and is frequently resistant to currently used cisplatin-based treatment methods. Astragaloside IV (As-IV), a bioactive compound and natural tripeptide glycoside known as an antioxidant, has drawn attention in Chinese medicine for its healing properties. Many studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumoral, and anti-angiogenic properties. Materials and Methods: In our study, we first rendered ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3) resistant to cisplatin and then applied determined doses of As-IV (40 µg/mL) and (70 µg/mL) to OVCAR-3 cells and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3-CisR). The cell viability capacity, variation of BAX/BCL-2 gene expression, and regulation of the SDF-1/CXCR4 chemokine axis protein and their gene expressions were investigated. Results: According to the findings, As-IV administration suppressed metastasis by lowering the colony formation potential of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer and down-regulating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis, and increasing the ratio of BAX/BCL-2 mRNA and protein levels due to BAX up-regulation and BCL-2 down-regulation. Conclusion: As a result, we showed that As-IV, used as an antioxidant, can be used as an effective anticancer agent to improve response to the currently used cisplatin-based treatment in cases of drug resistance in ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional way of transporting iron ore from mine to end-use plants often causes the industry significant economic hardship and degradation of the ecological system. Hydrotransportation of slurry through a pipeline is a remarkably viable strategy for effectively transporting iron ore in terms of economics, dependability, and safety, with minimal environmental impact. In the present investigation, a blend of bimodal samples is prepared by mixing medium and coarse particles of Indian iron ore of size 38–75 (I-2) and 75–106 (I-3) µm, respectively, with finer particles of size <38 µm (I-1) in 10–40% (by weight) proportion. Rheological characterization of the blend samples is done to finalize the optimum particle size. To enhance the flowability and stability of the concentrated iron ore samples, they are amalgamated with a mixture of plant-based nonionic saponin extracted from Sapindus mukorossi (Ritha) and the anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactants. The correct proportion of SDS in saponin is obtained through a thorough analysis of critical micellar concentration, zeta potential, and rheological parameters. Finally, the stability and slurryability of iron ore suspension with a Saponin–SDS mixture are established through rheological properties, dispersant concentration, and stabilization mechanisms. It is found that the optimum proportion of a mixture of saponin–SDS significantly improved the slurryability and stability of iron ore suspension and the maximum iron ore loading was enhanced by up to 81% by weight. The head loss and specific energy consumption analysis successfully evidence the significance of the surfactants in transporting the slurry through pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frangipani (Plumeria spp.) was a flowering ornamental plant with several metabolites that can be used as traditional medicine for various diseases such as laxative, anti-itch, anti-inflammatory, diabetic, and malaria. The Frangipani flower showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, C. albicans, S. pyogenes, S. typhi, B. pumilus, B. subtilis, S. dysenteriae, P. mirabilis, P. fluorescens, B. cereus, S. flexneri, A. flavus and M. furfur. Frangipani flowers also have high antioxidant activity due to their significant phenol and flavonoid content, while saponin is one of the components responsible for antimicrobial activity. This study provided an overview of the application of Frangipani flowers for pharmaceutical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of Hemagglutinin 9 Neuraminidase 2 (H9N2) avian influenza virus (AIV) in poultry in Asia has raised serious concerns about its zoonotic transmission and the potential for a pandemic, underscoring the need for effective therapeutics. Chikusetsusaponin IVa (CHS), a bioactive triterpenoid saponin from Radix saposhnikoviae, has exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical studies. We hypothesized that CHS could mitigate immunopathology during tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-infection by suppressing excessive inflammation. Objectives: CHS is a natural saponin with anti-inflammatory activity. This research aimed to explore the in vitro and in vivo protective effects and mechanisms of CHS against H9N2 AIV infection. Materials and Methods: We employed Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis for the prediction of the underlying mechanisms, followed by a network analysis approach. In animal experiments, the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways and associated proteins were assessed using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Results: In A549 cells, CHS treatment reduced H9N2 AIV-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. CHS was found to have a suppressive effect on the mRNA expression of various inflammatory cytokines (including TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-8) as well as mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). It can be seen that CHS does have anti-inflammatory effects. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that CHS might exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction and the NF-κB signaling pathways. Building upon this, it was found that CHS blocked the activation of TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathways in A549 cells infected with H9N2 AIV. In vivo, CHS prolonged the survival time and increased the survival rate of H9N2 AIV-infected mice. CHS was found to have a protective effect on the lungs of infected mice, resulting in reduced damage and lower levels of viral load and inflammation. CHS inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) and inhibited the activation of TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathways in the pulmonary tissues of mice that were infected. Conclusion: CHS exerts protective effects against H9N2 AIV infection in vitro and in vivo. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms may involve the inhibition of cytokine production and the blockade of TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study explored the phytochemical composition and biological properties of sprouted and unsprouted quinoa seed extracts (red, black, and yellow varieties). We observed distinct differences in primary metabolites between sprouted and unsprouted seeds, particularly in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Sprouted seeds exhibited increased levels of simple soluble sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids. Additionally, sprouted seeds showed higher quantities of polyphenols and flavonoids, with the black variety displaying the most. However, antioxidant activity did not directly correlate with phenol and flavonoid content, with unsprouted seeds demonstrating superior performance. Conversely, unsprouted seed extracts displayed greater anti-inflammatory efficacy, attributed to saponin loss during germination. Specifically, the best carbohydrate value was found in sprouted red seeds at 21.55±1.07 mg/g of plant material, the highest protein content was in sprouted red seeds at 4.6±0.28 mg/g, and the best lipid content was in sprouted black seeds at 2.97±0.13 mg/g. The highest polyphenol content was in sprouted black seeds at 10.74±0.6 mg E GA/g Ex, while the highest flavonoid content was also in sprouted black seeds. The most effective antioxidant activity in the DPPH test was observed in non-sprouted black seeds with an IC50 of 0.06±0.01 mg/ml. The highest hemolysis inhibition was found in sprouted red seeds at 49.04% at 0.8 mg/ml, and the greatest anti-inflammatory activity was in non-sprouted yellow seeds at 1.6±0.07 mg E Dc/mg Ex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A further chemical investigation of the butanol extract of leaves from the South African medicinal plant Sutherlandia frutescens led to the isolation of eight previously unreported saponins (1−8), together with the known sutherlandiosides A−D. Their structures were established by spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) analyses, CD, optical rotation, mass spectrometry, as well as chemical conversions. The isolates were screened for their cytotoxic activity against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line, although no significant activity was observed. In addition to the chemophenetic markers for this genus, i.e. the cycloartane glycosides, the present work also reports on the first isolation of an oleanan-type saponin from the Sutherlandia genus, forming an important fingerprint for the chemical composition of the plant. [Display omitted] • Eight new cycloartane glycosides and four known analogs were isolated from Sutherlandia frutescens. • The structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR. • The steric configurations were deduced from ROESY experiments and hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the phytochemical properties in the leave and fruit of Iranian populations of Rhamnus persica Boiss, eighteen different populations from six geographical regions of Kermanshah province were studied. The results showed that the highest and lowest leaf saponin was present in Aliabad (6.40 mg/g) in Eslamabad-e Gharb and Chaharzebar in Mahidasht (3.29 mg/g), respectively. In fruit saponin, the highest content was in the population of Arkavazi in Eslamabade Gharb (4.33 mg/g) and the lowest being in Mahidasht population (Chaharzebar) and Sarpol-e Zahab (Galin) each with 2.20 mg/g. About the leaf tannin, the highest and lowest values were available in Barf-Abad population in Eslamabad-e Gharb (4.57 mg/g) and Chaharzebar in Mahidasht (1.83 mg/g), respectively. In addition, in the case of fruit tannin, the highest amount in Meleh-Sorkh population belonged to Homeil (2.74 mg/g) and the lowest being in of Changizeh population (Sonqor) in 2.28 mg/g. Moreover, the highest and lowest leaf flavonoids were obtained in two populations including Gordi in Eslamabad-e Gharb (6.14 mg/g) and Changizeh from Sonqor (4.09 mg/g), respectively. Regarding fruit flavonoids, the highest and lowest amounts were observed in populations of Meleh-Sorkh from Homeil (3.45 mg/g) and Banganjab in Mahidasht (2.13 mg/g). These findings confirmed the effect of geographical location on changing the phytochemical characteristics of Rhamnus populations in Kermanshah province from Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the potential use of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax species (ginseng) in the diets of cats and dogs. These herbs have been found to have potential benefits for gut health, the immune system, and overall metabolism. However, more research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy, as well as the optimal inclusion levels in pet diets. The article also discusses the increasing popularity of functional ingredients in the pet food industry and the need to consider traditional Chinese herbs in this context. It emphasizes the importance of empirical studies and scientific investigation to ensure the health benefits and safety of these herbs for pets. [Extracted from the article]

Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.) is a tree species of the family Sapindaceae, the pericarp of which is rich in triterpenoid saponins, which are important in chemical production, biomedicine, and other fields. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP450) is involved in the modification of the skeletons of triterpenoid saponins and is linked to their diversity. We previously identified 323 CYP450 genes in the transcriptome of soapberry and screened 40 CYP450 genes related to the synthesis of triterpenoid saponins by gene annotation and conserved structural domain analysis. The genetic structure and phylogeny of the CYP450 genes were analyzed separately. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the CYP450 genes of soapberry into five subfamilies, the members of which had similar conserved cumulative sequences and intron structures. A cis-acting element analysis implicated several genes in the responses to environmental changes and hormones. The expression of several genes during eight periods of fruit development was analyzed by real-time quantitative qRT-PCR; most showed high expression during the first four periods of fruit development, and their expression decreased as the fruits matured. A co-expression network analysis of SmCYP450s and related genes in the triterpenoid saponin synthesis pathway was performed. Correlation analysis showed that 40 SmCYP450s may be involved in saponin synthesis in soapberry. The triterpenoid saponin synthesis-related candidate genes identified in this study provide insight into the synthesis and regulation of triterpenoid saponins in soapberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To the best of our knowledge, there was no prior report providing valuable preliminary data through a demonstration of the quantitative phytochemical and antioxidant activity of Gymnosporia senegalensis. The total contents of phenols, flavonoid, flavanol, tannin, and saponin were evaluated from different fractions extracted from the leaf, stem, and bark of G. senegalensis by using standards such as gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, tannic acid, and saponin quillaja. The antioxidant potential was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide scavenging (H2O2), superoxide anion radical scavenging, metal chelating ferrous ion, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Data were subjected to half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p < 0.05 as a significant value. The total phenol content was found to be highest in the chloroform extract of stem at 97.7 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g. The total flavonoid and flavonol contents in the aqueous extract were 97.1 ± 0.03 mg QE/g and 96.7 ± 0.07 mg RE/g, respectively. The total tannin content in the ethyl acetate extract of leaf was 97.5 ± 0.01 mg TAE/g, and the total saponin content in the methanol extract of stem was 79.1 ± 0.06 mg SQE/g. The antioxidant analysis indicated that IC50 and percentage (%) inhibition were dose-dependent and showed the highest antioxidant activity (40.9 ± 0.9 µg/mL) in methanol extract of leaf for DPPH, (88.8 ± 1.12 µg/mL) in the chloroform extract of stem for H2O2, (43.9 ± 0.15 µg/mL) in the aqueous extract of bark for superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, (26.9 ± 0.11 µg/mL) in the chloroform extract of leaf for the metal chelating ferrous ion activity, (7.55 ± 0.10 mg/mL) in the benzene extract of leaf for FRAP, and (2.97 ± 0.01 mg/mL) in the methanol extract of bark for TAC. These results show that G. senegalensis has great potential in antioxidant activities. The isolation and characterization of specific bioactive compounds and the in vivo applicability of such activity await further extensive studies for drug discovery and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition, phytochemical contents, and antibacterial potentials of the Eryngium Thyrsoideum Boiss. aerial parts were evaluated. The RP-HPLC-DAD method were applied to determine the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract. The hydrodistillation method with a Clevenger apparatus was used to isolate the essential oil, and the analyses of the oil was performed using GC-MS. Using the disc diffusion method and the broth microdilution assay, three gram-negative and six gram-positive bacterial strains were tested to assess the antibacterial effect of oil. The total flavonoid content of the extract was 0.81 ± 0.05 mg of quercetin equivalent per gram of dry plant materials, while its total phenolic content was 0.24 ± 0.01 mg of gallic acid equivalents per g of dry plant materials. According to the phytochemical screening results, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, and saponins were detected in the ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and methanolic extracts. Results showed the existence of rutin, quercetin, and benzoic acid in the methanolic extract and revealed 46 compounds that constitute 93.07% of the obtained oil were recognized. Besides, 2,3,6-trimethyl benzaldehyde (24.15%), trans-4,10-epoxy-amorphane (15.55%), longifolene (13.72%), germacrene D (4.76%), 2,3,4-trimethyl benzaldehyde (4.67%), cis-chrysanthenyl acetate (3.3%), caryophyllene oxide (3.26%), and sesquicineole (2.78%) were identified in the oil as the major compounds. The oil showed in vitro significant inhibitory effect on Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, resulting from its high proportion of sesquiterpenes. Regarding the different bioactive compounds and the antibacterial properties of Eryngium thyrsoideum, this plant can be applied in cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drying kinetics of roots of Euphorbia condylocarpa M.Bieb. plant was studied. The root slices were dried at four temperature levels, also in shadow as control in three replications. The dried samples were considered for evaluation the total phenolic compounds (TPCs), free radical scavenging capacity inhibitory 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, inhibiting gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The obtained results were compared with control treatments. The analysis of variance showed a significant difference in 1% level for the main effects of temperature, thickness, and their interaction on drying time, TPC and changes of inhibiting P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicated that the highest content of total phenolic compounds were obtained at 40 °C, and 7 mm, and increasing the free radical scavenging capacity of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl was achieved at 60 °C, and 7 mm. In addition, the highest inhibition zone values for the gram-positive bacterium of Staphylococcus aureus were obtained for the samples dried at 50 °C and thickness of 7 mm while the highest inhibition zone values for gram-negative bacterium of P. aeruginosa was obtained at 50 °C and 3 mm thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese onion (Allium chinense G. Don) is an edible vegetable as well as a traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in steroidal saponins and possesses broad health benefits. In this study, the optimal extraction protocol of the total saponins from Chinese onion (ACS) was explored, and the content of the total steroidal saponins in ACS reached 56.62%. Network pharmacology was applied to predict the related signalling pathways and targets between the main phytochemicals in ACS and hypercholesterolaemia. Enrichment analysis showed that ACS might intervene hypercholesterolaemia through the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Meanwhile, cholesterol-lowering effects were verified by ACS intervention in high-cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolaemia in Kunming mice. Compared with the model group, the TC and LDL-C levels of mice were decreased and the HDL-C level increased significantly after administration of ACS at a dose of 200 mg kg−1 day−1. The body weight gain, liver index, and atherosclerosis index all decreased dramatically. ACS could significantly reduce the fat content in the liver and reduce the number of fat droplets from the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of mouse liver. The immunohistochemical staining indicated that ACS could up-regulate the expression of PI3K protein in the liver, thus playing an anti-hypercholesterolaemic role. This study indicated that ACS exhibited significant therapeutic and preventive effects on hypercholesterolaemia, and exerted anti-hypercholesterolaemia through the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This research explores sustainable applications for waste generated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum), a plant with both nutritional and medicinal uses. The study specifically targets waste components as potential sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Objectives: The focus is to conduct detailed metabolic profiling of fenugreek waste, assess its anti‐inflammatory properties by studying its cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory effect, and correlate this effect to the metabolite fingerprint. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic extracts of fenugreek fruit pericarp and a combination of leaves and stems were subjected to untargeted metabolic profiling using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry integrated with online database searches and molecular networking as an effective dereplication strategy. The study also scrutinized the COX inhibitory capabilities of these extracts and saponin‐rich fractions prepared therefrom. Molecular docking was employed to investigate the specific interactions between the identified saponins and COX enzymes. Results: The analysis led to the annotation of 81 metabolites, among which saponins were predominant. The saponin‐rich fraction of the fruit pericarp extract displayed the strongest COX‐II inhibitory activity in the in vitro inhibition assay (IC50 value of 81.64 ± 3.98 μg/mL). The molecular docking study supported the selectivity of the identified saponins towards COX‐II. The two major identified saponins, namely, proto‐yamogenin 3‐O‐[deoxyhexosyl (1 → 2)] [hexosyl (1 → 4)] hexoside 26‐O‐hexoside and trigofenoside A, were predicted to have the highest affinity to the COX‐II receptor site. Conclusion: In the present study, we focused on the identification of COX‐II inhibitory saponins in fenugreek waste through an integrated approach. The findings offer valuable insights into potential anti‐inflammatory and cancer chemoprotective applications of fenugreek waste. The ethanolic extracts of fenugreek wastes were subjected to LC‐MS/MS untargeted metabolic profiling and molecular networking, leading to the annotation of 81 metabolites, with saponins being major constituents. A saponin‐rich fraction was prepared from each waste extract. The COX inhibitory effect of the waste extracts and saponin‐rich fractions was evaluated. The saponin‐rich fractions showed a preferential COX‐II inhibition that was stronger than the ethanolic extracts. Molecular docking proved the selectivity of the identified saponins towards COX‐II enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the potential of antimicrobial metabolites derived from Caucasian medicinal plants as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. With the rise of antibiotic resistance posing a global health threat, there is a pressing need to investigate alternative sources of antimicrobial agents. Caucasian medicinal plants have traditionally been used for their therapeutic properties, and recent research has highlighted their potential as sources of antimicrobial compounds. Representatives of 15 families of Caucasian medicinal plant extracts (24 species) have been explored for their efficacy against these pathogens. The effect of these plants on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi is discussed in this paper. By harnessing the bioactive metabolites present in these plants, this study aims to contribute to the development of new antimicrobial treatments that can effectively combat bacterial infections while minimizing the risk of resistance emergence. Herein we discuss the following classes of bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial activity: phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, saponins, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds of Allium species. The review discusses the pharmacological properties of selected Caucasian medicinal plants, the extraction and characterization of these antimicrobial metabolites, the mechanisms of action of antibacterial and antifungal plant compounds, and their potential applications in clinical settings. Additionally, challenges and future directions in the research of antimicrobial metabolites from Caucasian medicinal plants are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]