HPLC method to assay total saponins in Ilex paraguariensis aqueous extract

Simone C.B Gnoatto,Valquiria L Bassani,Eloir P Schenkel

doi:10.1590/s0103-50532005000500007

Abstract

Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire is a South American tree from which leaves and twigs are used to prepare a commonly consumed tea in several South American countries. The plant is known as “erva-mate” in Portuguese or “yerba mate” in Spanish. Considering the potential use of the saponins as surfactant as well as its therapeutic potential, the present work was designed to propose extraction and quantitation methods for the saponins present in Ilex paraguariensis. The saponins were extracted by decoction, hydrolyzed and quantified by a HPLC method with UV detection. The saponins concentration was expressed in ursolic acid (total saponins). The method showed linearity for ursolic acid in the range of 13.5 to 135 µg mL -1 . The aqueous extract presented total saponins concentration of 352 µg mL -1 . The results also suggest the possibility of use of similar method for assaying triterpenoid saponins in other plants.

Highlights

IntroductionIlex paraguariensis St. Hilarie is a South American tree from which leaves and twigs are used to prepare a tea (known as “erva-mate” in Portuguese or “yerba mate” in Spanish), being one of the most commonly consumed beverages in several South American countries, including Brazil (especially in the South states), Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina
The absence of chromophores moieties in saponin molecular structure and, its poor UV absorption is the major limitation to analyze this class of compounds using UV detection
No analytical method to quantify saponins has been reported for Ilex paraguariensis and its preparations

Summary

Introduction

Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilarie is a South American tree from which leaves and twigs are used to prepare a tea (known as “erva-mate” in Portuguese or “yerba mate” in Spanish), being one of the most commonly consumed beverages in several South American countries, including Brazil (especially in the South states), Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. In South America, approximately 30% of the population drinks more than 1 L/day of this beverage. It represents an important crop, with more than 1,400 ton/ year.[1]. Besides the substantial amounts of purine alkaloids[2] and caffeoyl-quinic acid derivatives,[3] the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis contain a significant amount of triterpenoid saponins.

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Conclusion