Saponin Content Research Articles

Optimization and Standardization of the Extraction Method of Balanites aegyptiaca Del. Seeds (Zygophyllaceae) Used in the Formulation of an Antiparasitic Phytomedicine

Background/Objectives: Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine, both human and veterinary, throughout Africa for its many properties, including antiparasitic properties. This experimental study aims to optimize the extraction conditions of the seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca Del. Methods: Aqueous maceration was carried out with mass-to-volume ratios of 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% and 5% and extraction times of 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. Extraction yields, phytochemical screening, saponins assay, antioxidant activities ABTS+ free radical scavenging activities, Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and antiparasitic tests on Heligmosomoides bakeri were used to compare the different extracts. Results: The pharmaco-chemical study generally showed that aqueous maceration gave the best results, with a mass/volume ratio of 10% after 12 h of maceration. The yield obtained was 28.03% with a saponins content of 13.81 mg/g. The antioxidant activities were 4.25 ± 0.17 µg/mL by the ABTS method and 0.739 µg/mL by the FRAP method. The larvicidal activity also showed that the 10% 12 h extract produced 100% larval mortality from 25 µg/mL. Conclusions: These data provide a basis for guiding the extraction process parameters in producing this antiparasitic phytomedicine.

The effects of different hormone combinations on the growth of Panax notoginseng anther callus based on metabolome analysis

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the primary active components of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H.Chen, a traditional and precious Chinese medicinal herb, are mainly derived from the roots of the plant. However, due to the long cultivation period and specific environmental requirements, the PNS supply is often limited. And, callus cultures of P. notoginseng, which grow rapidly, have short production cycles, and can be cultured under controlled conditions, provide a more efficient source for the quick acquisition of saponins. In this study, anthers of P. notoginseng were used as explants, and twelve hormone combinations were tested to induce callus formation. Eight kinds of hormone combinations successfully induced P. notoginseng anther callus. Among these, callus induced by combinations 5 and 7 had the highest saponin content, while those induced by combinations 1 and 3 exhibited the highest relative growth rates. Metabolomic analysis of these four callus types revealed that there were a total of 99 differential metabolites between combinations 5 and 7, 30 between combinations 1 and 3, 123 between combinations 3 and 7, and 116 between combinations 1 and 5. Further analysis showed that the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites in callus induced by combinations 1 and 3 were significantly upregulated, with corresponding genes showing high expression levels, increased ATP accumulation, and low responses of the auxin response factor PnARF-3 and cytokinin response factor PnCRF-3. The abundance of metabolites in the PNS biosynthesis pathway in callus induced by combinations 5 and 7 increased significantly, with related genes showing high expression levels, increased IPP accumulation, and high responses of PnARF-3 and PnCRF-3. Overexpression of PnARF-3 and PnCRF-3 in callus induced by combination 3 promoted the production of IPP and saponins while reducing ATP production. In conclusion, different hormone combinations affect the distribution of Acetyl-CoA through PnARF-3 and PnCRF-3, resulting in the relative growth rate and saponin of P. notoginseng anther callus differences.

Integration of ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and triple quadrupole-ion trap mass spectrometry coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography for characterizing and quantitatively assay the saponins of Panax quinquefolius flower

Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) is globally popular serving as herbal medicine or tonifying agent. Compared with the root, studies on the flower of Panax quinquefolius (PQF) in respect of the multicomponent characterization and quality evaluation is scarce. This work was designed, by feat of two liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry platforms, to characterize and quantitatively assay the saponins of PQF. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/IM-QTOF-MS) combined with data-independent high-definition MSE (HDMSE) was developed to acquire the structure information of PQF saponins. Consequently, efficient and more accurate identification (higher identification accuracy and much lower false positives rate) of the involved saponins were accomplished by the intelligent peak annotation workflows of the UNIFI bioinformatics platform incorporated with a “Multi-dimensional Information Library of Ginsenosides” (GinMIL). Totally 128 ginsenosides were identified or tentatively characterized, and 45 thereof were identified by comparing with the reference standards. Additionally, an efficient UHPLC/QTrap-MS (triple quadrupole-ion trap mass spectrometry) method enabling quantitative assay of 21 ginsenosides in PQF was established and validated by scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (sMRM). It gave low limit of detection (0.011–0.65 pg) and limit of quantification (0.053–4.1 pg), good linearity (R2 > 0.99), intra-/inter-day precision (RSD < 13.6 %), stability (RSD < 3.5 %), repeatability (RSD < 7.5 %), and recovery (RSD < 13.5 %). It application to quantify 21 ginsenosides in 14 batches of PQF samples revealed differences in their saponin content. Conclusively, systematic multi-component characterization and multi-indicator quantitation of PQF were achieved, thus providing the methodological reference for the quality investigation of functional herbs.

Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris on diabetes and sexual disorders: A narrative review

Tribulus terrestris L. (T. terrestris) is widely distributed worldwide (Australia, Europe, India, North Africa). It typically contains a substantial amount of active ingredients, especially saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenol carboxylic acids. Additionally, T. terrestris has been frequently used in folk medicine and as a food supplement, highlighting the importance of evaluating its phytopharmacological properties. Various hypotheses suggest that this species may have significant potential in preventing and improving various human conditions, including diabetes, inflammatory diseases, low sexual desire, and infertility. Phytochemical studies reveal a significant disparity in the content of active substances, with a notable gap in the concentrations of spirostanol saponins and furostanol, which are the predominant active ingredients associated with therapeutic effects. The objective of this present review is to evaluate T. terrestris -based formulations by exploring various potential mechanisms of action, aiming to determine whether the use of T. terrestris supplements is justified in the context of diabetes and its complications.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of Panax Notoginseng root: Mechanistic insights into the effects of flower bud removal on yield and phytochemical composition

The roots of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen are used to treat organ damage and cardiovascular diseases in several East Asian countries. The removal of floral buds before inflorescence formation is widely employed to increase rhizome yield in the cultivation of Panax notoginseng. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating the growth and the accumulation of secondary metabolites remain unclear. We find that after the removal of flower buds, the root biomass accumulated in three-year-old Panax notoginseng after growing for four months increased by 27 %. Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that disbudding promoted the conversion of small molecule sugars to polysaccharides by regulating the expression of genes in the glycogen metabolism (GLG) family. It facilitated the accumulation of metabolites in the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway by upregulating the expression of isoprenoid synthase (ISP) family genes and inhibited the conversion from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to the mevalonate (MVA) pathway by downregulating the expression of acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase (ACAT) family genes. At the same time, the total content of triterpene saponins, main active ingredients, basically remained unchanged. However, the content of intermediate saponins increased after the upregulation of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) transcripts, while that of downstream saponins decreased after the downregulation of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) transcripts. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of root cross-sections indicated that the disbudding potentially promoted the development of the primary root cortex and epidermis by regulating auxin-cytokinin (AUX-CTK) signaling, thus alleviating xylem cavitation. This study confirms the removal of flower buds as an effective way to enhance yield of Panax notoginseng, offering new insights into the basic mechanisms of growth regulation during plant reproductive development and providing valuable reference for studying metabolite accumulation patterns in Panax notoginseng and other medicinal plants in the Panax genus.

Rhizospheric soil chemical properties and microbial response to a gradient of Chromolaena odorata(L) invasion in the Mount Cameroon Region.

Chromolaena odorata is a noxious alien invasive weed species with an enormous impact on the terrestrial ecosystem. The allelopathic potentials of this weed have had little attention, leading to changes in soil properties and microbial communities. This study investigates the impacts of Chromolaena odorata invasion gradients on rhizospheric soil chemical properties and microbial response in the Mount Cameroon Region. Forty-eight soil samples at four different degrees of invasion (uninvaded, low degree invasion, moderate degree invasion and high degree invasion) based on species coverage within subplots in four study areas were collected and rhizospheric soil chemical properties, microbial load, phosphatases activities and secondary metabolites were evaluated. At medium-degree invasion, rhizospheric soil concentrations of P, K and Fe increased with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization and phosphatases enzyme activities. Soil C, N and organic matter were significantly increased at high-degree invasion, supporting the use of the plant as a fallow crop. Acid phosphatase activity ranged from 0.69 to 0.90 mmol h-1 kg-1 and was significantly different at different degrees of invasion. AMF colonization ranged from 23.33 to 50.00%, with a strong positive correlation between AMF colonization and phosphatase activity. Soil bacterial load was high (46 × 105 CFU/g- 67 × 105 CFU/g), with mostly Staphylococcus having health concerns about its spread. The invasion situation had no significant effect on soil bacterial load, but high-degree invasion significantly increased fungal load. Low-degree invaded soils had high saponin (24.55±0.00 mg/g), flavonoid (47.7 mg/g) and tannin (28.68 mg/g) concentrations. The investigation reveals that Chromolaena odorata invasion altered rhizospheric soil properties and microbial communities significantly, thereby influencing ecosystem dynamics and soil nutrient availability. However, further studies elucidating kinds of secondary metabolites, identifying microbial communities, and monitoring soil changes influenced by C. odorata are essential for effective ecosystem management.

Seasonal and altitudinal dynamics in secondary metabolite composition of Commelina forage species in Konso zone, southern Ethiopia.

Exploring the type and amounts of the secondary metabolites (SMs) in a given fodder species was considered as a meaningful act for safe and profitable utilization of that particular feedstuff in the livestock industry. This study was conducted in the Konso zone, southern Ethiopia, to explore the secondary metabolite composition of Commelina species in two seasons and at two different altitudes. Samples were collected from the two altitudes and seasons. A completely randomized design was used in a factorial arrangement (five species (C. benghalensis, C. imberbis, C. diffusa, C. albescens, and C. africana), two altitudes, and two seasons) with three repetitions per treatment. The SM contents of the Commelina species were reasonably influenced by both seasonal and altitudinal changes. The mean alkaloid (3.67%), total phenols (9.76 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (3.81 mg CE/g) and condensed tannin (1.10 mg CE/g) values for the herb species in wet season inclined (p < 0.001) to 7.02%, 14.07 mg GAE/g, 7.68 mg CE/g and 2.38 mg CE/g, respectively, in dry season. The wet season saponin concentration of the species (2.65 g/Kg) significantly decreased (p < 0.001) to 1.28 g/Kg in the dry season. Similarly, the lowland saponin (2.26 g/Kg), alkaloid (3.70%), total phenols (10.89 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (4.71 mg CE/g), and condensed tannin (0.98 mg CE/g) contents were increased (p < 0.01) to 3.03 g/Kg, 5.47%, 13.61 mg GAE/g, 6.37 mg CE/g, and 1.81 mg CE/g, respectively, in the midlands. Alkaloids, total phenols, flavonoids and condensed tannin concentrations showed positive correlations with each other (P<0.05) and with seasonal (P<0.001) and altitudinal changes (P<0.001) as well. The findings of this study suggested that the SM concentrations of Commelina species were within the limits tolerable for ruminants. In conclusion, Commelina species could serve as a safe and beneficial forage herb to boost nutrient intake, improve nutrient use efficiency and hinder methane emissions, for animals consuming them, in areas where they are available in abundance.

Protective role of Mortierella alpina-derived lipids in resisting root rot in Panax ginseng

Root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum is a major threat to the yield and quality of Panax ginseng. The use of antimicrobial compounds from antagonistic microorganisms is effective in controlling pathogens. Lipids from Mortierella can promote plant growth, but their role in disease resistance is unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the lipid components of Mortierella alpina and investigated the disease resistance properties and mechanisms of the total lipids and main component arachidonic acid (ARA). The results demonstrated that total lipids and arachidonic acid (ARA) directly inhibited the growth of F. oxysporum, F. solani, and Aspergillus sp., while promoting beneficial microorganisms such as Pseudomonas geniculate, Bacillus velezensis, and Trichoderma velutinum. These compounds also significantly induced the defense response of ginseng adventitious roots. Pot experiments revealed that total lipids and ARA significantly improved theresistance of ginseng to F. oxysporum root rot. Compared with F. oxysporum treatment alone, lipid addition increased the chlorophyll content, root length, fresh weight, and total saponin content. The increased expression of genes related to the jasmonic acid signaling pathway and relatively high nitrogen levels in the rhizosphere soil indicated increased defense mechanisms. Additionally, lipid addition increased the abundances of beneficial microorganisms such as Lysobacter, Gemmatimonas, Pedobacter, Pseudolabrys, and Mortierella, while decreasing Fusarium abundance. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Mortierella-derived lipids enhance ginseng resistance to root rot by directly inhibiting pathogens, modulating defense signaling pathways, and improving the rhizosphere microenvironment.

Molluscicidal effects of Persicaria senegalensis on terrestrial snails Cornu aspersum in South Africa

Cornu aspersum is an invasive terrestrial snail pest of the family Helicidae. In South Africa, where the snail causes significant crop losses in viticulture areas, synthetic molluscicides are used to control them. However, the latter negatively affects both those who apply it and the non-targeted organisms. Persicaria senegalensis, a plant in the family Polyganeaceae, has demonstrated molluscicidal properties against aquatic snails. The present researchers conducted a quantitative analysis of the total saponin content of the leaves, flowers, stems and roots of P. senegalensis. We evaluated the plant’s molluscicidal properties against C. aspersum using the contact assay method over a period of 24 hours. The total saponin content of P. senegalensis’s methanolic leaf, flower, stem and root extracts was found to be 254.42 ± 0.55, 188.53 ± 0.83, 155.19 ± 0.55 and 68.27 ± 0.79 mg DE/mg, respectively. The standard error LD50 of methanol leaf, flower, stem and root extracts against C. aspersum were determined at 549.54 ± 158.49, 758.58 ± 107.15, 1778.78 ± 114.81 and 1819.70 ± 346.73, respectively. The mortality rate of snails exposed to doses of methanolic extracts of P. senegalensis leaves increased with increasing concentrations. P. senegalensis therefore, contains high concentrations of total saponins and molluscicidal properties against C. aspersum.

Phytochemical properties and antioxidative activities of ginseng superfine powders prepared by wet grinding method with high-pressure homogenization

Ginseng is widely used in agricultural products, dietary health supplements, and pharmaceutical preparations, which has significant market potential. It is of great significance to develop a more efficient and environmentally friendly production process of ginseng powder. However, ginseng is difficult to be milled to an ideal state by dry grinding method because of its higher fiber content. In the meantime, ginseng has high viscosity when suspended in a liquid, which can pose challenges during wet grinding processes. In order to develop a production process for ginseng powder with excellent physicochemical properties, three kinds of powders were obtained by both dry grinding method (ball mill) and wet grinding method (colloid mill&high-pressure homogenizer) in this study. The powder properties, structural properties, saponin contents,and antioxidant activity of different ginseng powders were also investigated. The results showed that wet grinding technology using a high-pressure homogenization process could significantly improve the powder properties，including the particle size, specific surface area, span value, water holding capacity, and appearance. Moreover, both the saponin contents and the antioxidant activity of the powder had been significantly enhanced. The findings indicated that high-pressure homogenization process was a promising technique for producing plant powders rich in bioactive compounds, which could enhance their bioactivity. The method was argued to be a significant alternative technology for production of ginseng ultrafine powders. Furthermore, it offered theoretical and technical support for the application of the high-pressure homogenization process in the preparation of ultrafine powders with reduced particle sizes from high-fiber plants.

Exploring the Correlation Between Salt Tolerance and Seed Nutritional Value of Different Quinoa Genotypes Grown Under Saharan Climatic Conditions.

Quinoa is an annual pseudocereal highly adapted to extreme environments and has become, at this point in time, an extremely popular food due to its exceptional and high nutritional quality. This study aims to investigate the association of quinoa salt tolerance at an early developmental stage with its grain nutritional value under the effect of severe climatic hurdles. The current findings revealed a significant variability between genotypes in salt response attributes at the first development stage, where genotypes Amarilla Sacaca (thereafter, A. Sacaca) and QQ57 exhibited high salt tolerance thresholds with a low salt sensitivity index (SI), and a high capacity for Na+ sequestration into vacuoles. A significant positive association was detected between salt tolerance degree and yield parameters, saponins (SAPs), and minerals contents, where genotype A. Sacaca exhibited the highest SAP content with 3.84 mg.g-1 and the highest amounts of K, Ca, P, and Fe. The analysis of fatty acid composition demonstrated a high significant negative correlation between crude fat content and salt SI, and between yield parameters. Despite its low harvest index (HI) and low seed oil content, the salt-tolerant genotype A. Sacaca showed a high nutritional quality for seed oil according to its lowest ω6/ω3 ratio (5.6/1) and lowest level of atherogenicity index (AI). The genotype 115R, defined as the most sensitive to salt stress, exhibited a high seed oil quality due to its low lipid peroxidation susceptibility as reflected by its oxidative susceptibility and peroxidizability indexes. The significance of this study includes the identification of valuable quinoa genotypes showing high efficiency in growth and yield under severe stress accompanied by a high nutritional value satisfying the market requirements for healthy, nutritious, and safe food products.

A comprehensive analysis of phytochemicals, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and phytoestrogenic properties of different parts of Tribulus terrestris.

Tribulus terrestris L., a medicinal plant rich in secondary metabolites, was studied for optimising bioactive compound extraction from various parts of the plant using ethanol-water (50:50), ethanol, and methanol solvents. Analysis of extracts for key phytochemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids was performed using HPTLC, HPLC and gas chromatography. The ethanol-water mixture proved best for extracting saponins and polyphenols, ethanol for flavonoids, and methanol for alkaloids. The fruit yielded the highest saponin content (59.34% ± 3.87), while leaves were richest in polyphenols (18.94% ± 1.39), flavonoids (5.15% ± 1.01), and alkaloids (26.46% ± 1.71). Leaf extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa, and stem extracts were effective against E. coli. Root, stem, and leaf extracts exhibited antifungal activity with leaf extract also demonstrating strong phytoestrogenic activity. These findings highlight the varied phytochemical profiles and biological activities of T. terrestris, suggesting their potential therapeutic uses.

Diversity Analysis and Comprehensive Evaluation of 101 Soybean (Glycine max L.) Germplasms Based on Sprout Quality Characteristics.

Soybean sprouts are a common culinary vegetable due to their high nutrition and tasty flavors. To select soybean varieties with excellent sprout quality, 101 soybean materials were collected from different regions of China, and eight sprout quality parameters were determined for overall evaluation. The results showed that eight sprout quality parameters achieved varying degrees of difference and correlation. Based on the principal component analysis (PCA), three principal components were extracted, with a cumulative contribution rate of 78.314%. Further, the comprehensive evaluation value (D) of soybean sprout quality was calculated by membership function analysis based on PCA, and the quality of soybean sprouts was ranked accordingly. Subsequently, a regression equation for the prediction of soybean sprout quality was established using a stepwise regression analysis, and the model showed a good prediction performance (correlation coefficient of prediction > 0.8; residual predictive deviation > 2.0). On these grounds, it was proposed that the quality of soybean sprouts could be comprehensively predicted by four parameters: hypocotyl length, edible rate, 100-seed weight, and total isoflavone content and saponin content. In conclusion, this study provides excellent varieties for soybean sprout production and new variety breeding, and it provides an important reference for the prediction of soybean sprout quality.

Phytochemical composition, antioxidant activities and anti‐obesity potential of selected vegetables as affected by drying methods

AbstractObesity has reached epidemic statistics worldwide and there is an urgent need to explore more available options in addressing the condition. The potential of vegetables as natural sources of enzyme inhibitors that can regulate the progression of obesity is of great interest particularly due to possible synergistic antioxidant activities. In this study, we evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activities, and in vitro enzyme inhibition properties of selected vegetables as influenced by sun and cabinet drying methods. While a significant increase was observed in the phytochemical composition of most of the vegetables, the two drying methods had varying effects on all parameters. Cabinet drying yielded higher saponin (2.86–4.67 mg/100 g), phenolics (19.30–57.02 mg/100 g), and alkaloids (31.58–37.61 mg/100 g) contents while sun drying gave better results for flavonoids (88.13–234.15 mg/100 g). The DPPH (11.45%–29.61%) and ABTS (22.70%–35.48%) antioxidant activities varied significantly. Cabinet‐dried cabbage and sun dried carrot flours displayed the highest inhibition against alpha amylase and pancreatic lipase, respectively. A strong positive correlation was observed between phenolics and amylase inhibition and also between saponin and pancreatic lipase inhibition. Consequently, vegetable flours could serve as versatile products for the therapeutic management of obesity and related diseases.

Enhancing growth performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens with signal grass meal (Brachiaria decumbens) supplementation under tropical conditions

This study examines the impact of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) as a phytobiotic supplement on the production performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens reared in tropical environments. A total of 216 day-old Sasso broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups with six replications each. All six treatments received the same commercial diets with some adjustments: Treatment 1 (negative control) with only commercial feed, Treatment 2 (positive control) with 100 mg kg-1g kg-1 oxytetracycline, Treatment 3, 4, 5, and 6 with 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 g kg-1 of B. decumbens grass meal, respectively, without antibiotic. Throughout the eight-week study, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly for each replicate to calculate body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Additional evaluations included nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, cecal microflora population, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Blood biomarkers and biochemistry were also analysed to evaluate the chickens' health status. Results indicated that broilers supplemented with B. decumbens grass meal, particularly T6 showed significantly (p<0.05) superior growth performance compared to the negative with reduced FCR of 6.8%. Apparent ileal digestibility was also significantly improved in T6, with 22.32% higher CP digestibility. Enhanced gut histomorphology and a healthier cecal microbial population supported improved nutrient absorption and overall gut health, as evidenced by significant increases in the villi-to-crypt ratio and a higher coliform count than the control. Enhanced carcass characteristics, such as higher full gizzard and gastrointestinal tract weights of T6 broilers, further supported improved digestibility. The supplementation also improved meat quality, with blood biomarkers indicating lower stress and inflammation levels comparable to T2. Additionally, the blood biochemistry of T6 broilers suggested hepatoprotective and hypocholesterolemic effects. Therefore, broilers in T6 demonstrated that B. decumbens has significant potential as an effective feed additive to replace antibiotics in the tropical poultry sector due to its phytocompounds profile, including high saponin content.

Effect of blanching and microwave-hot air drying of Asparagus racemosus Willd. tuberous roots on shelf life

The quality of dried tuberous roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd. depends on the drying method and storage conditions. This research aims to compare three methods for drying blanched and non-blanched root slices: tray drying at 60 °C (TD 60C), microwave-assisted hot air drying at 1000W with 60 °C (MW1000+60C), and at 1500W with 60 °C (MW1500+60C). Drying efficiency was evaluated over a one-year shelf life. The blanching was carried out at 80 °C for 5min. MW1000 60C was the most suitable for brightness, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total saponin content (TSC), and sugar content. Its brightness (L⁎), TPC, TFC, and TSC were 90.90 ± 1.08, 1.96 ± 0.08mg GAE/g DW, 0.69 ± 0.07mg ECE/g DW, and 1256.8 ± 25.1mg SE/g DW, respectively. Total sugar content and total reducing sugar content were 1577.1 ± 17.1mg Glu/g DW and 47.43 ± 2.06mg Glu/g DW, respectively. Blanching before MW1000+60C decreased TPC, TFC, total sugar content, and total reducing sugar content by 31%, 25%, 20%, and 43%, respectively, but did not reduce the TSC. The optimum shelf life was 6 months. The storage for 12 months caused negative changes in moisture content, colour, TPC, TFC, sugar content, and microbial load. The saponin compounds were asparacoside, shatavarin IX, shatavarin V, asparanin A, aspafilioside B, and sarsasapogenin 3-[4''-glucosyl-6''-arabinosylglucoside]. Theasaponin E3 was found in blanched and dried roots after 12 months. Consequently, this research provided guidelines for drying methods and monitoring shelf life.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity of Wild Medicinal Plants of Himalayan Range

Plants that are indigenous to the Himalayas have been exploited for their therapeutic properties for over 6,500 years. Using their deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna, traditional healers in the region are able to treat a wide variety of maladies with herbal treatments. People who live in rural areas of the Himalayas rely on wild medicinal plants for their health, and we need to do everything in our power to ensure that these plants continue to thrive in the harsh desert climate of the Himalayas. Raw materials that are obtained from wild plants are in high demand all around the world, particularly among pharmaceutical companies, ethnomedics, and practitioners of traditional medicine as well as other medical practitioners. India has been a top exporter of raw herbal medications all over the world. This is mostly due to the number of medicinal plants that can be found in the Himalayas. The aim of this study was to determine the Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of various parts of 20 selected wild medicinal plants, found in the Himalayan regions in India, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan including Swertia bimaculate, Ficus neriifolia, Rubus treutleri, Periploca calophylla, G. depressa, Buddleja napaulensis, Habenaria edgeworthii, Pyracantha crenulate, Roscoea procera, Allium rubellum, Berberis chitria, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Artemisia maritima, C. glanduliferum, C. distans, Juniperus macropoda, Origanum vulgare, Valeriana jatamansi, Polygonatum verticillatum, Meconopsis aculeate and Fragaria nubicolais. There were several different parts of the species that were examined to determine their total polyphenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, and tannin concentrations. One fraction of the plant extracts was found to contain a higher quantity of phytochemicals when compared to the other portions. Through the utilisation of the DPPH and FRAP model systems, the antioxidant capacity of a number of different components was assessed. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique can be combined with the DPPH and/or ABTS tests in order to rapidly screen extracts for the presence of active chemicals.

Effect of the Total Saponins of Bupleurum chinense DC. Water Extracts Following Ultrafiltration Pretreatment on Macroporous Resin Adsorption.

Macroporous resin is an efficient separation technology that plays a crucial role in the separation and purification of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the application of macroporous resins in TCM pharmaceuticals is hindered by serious fouling caused by the complex materials used in TCM. This study examines the impact of ultrafiltration (UF) membrane technology on the macroporous resin adsorption behavior of TCM extracts. In this paper, Bupleurum chinense DC. (B. chinense) water extracts were included as an example to study the effect of UF pretreatment on the macroporous resin adsorption of total saponins. The study results indicated that the adsorption of total saponins constituents from the water extracts of B. chinense on the macroporous resin followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic parameters of adsorption, including enthalpy changes and Gibbs free energies, were negative, while entropy changes were positive. These results demonstrated that the total saponin components form a monolayer adsorption layer by spontaneous thermal adsorption on the macroporous resin, and that the adsorption rate is not determined by the rate of intraparticle diffusion. Following treatment with a UF membrane with an average molecular weight cut-off of 50 kDa, the protein, starch, pectin, tannin, and other impurities in the water extracts of B. chinense were reduced, while the total saponin content was retained at 82.32%. The adsorption kinetic model of the saponin constituents on the macroporous resin remained unchanged and was consistent with both the second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model; the adsorption rate of the second-order kinetic model increased by 1.3 times and in the Langmuir model at 25 °C, the adsorption performance improved by 1.16 times compared to the original extracts. This study revealed that UF technology as a pretreatment method can reduce the fouling of macroporous resin by TCM extracts and improve the adsorption performance of macroporous resin.

Improving the technology of gluten-free bread with quinoa flour

The object of this study is the technology of bread baking based on liquid sourdough and gluten-free flour mixture. The problem with this technology is that gluten-free raw materials do not contain gluten proteins, which ensure the elasticity and firmness of the dough and increase the porosity of the bread. To improve the structural and mechanical properties of the dough, new types of flour were introduced into the recipe compared to the analog recipe: quinoa, buckwheat, and oat. The positive effect of quinoa on dough quality has been known for a long time but the limitation in its use is the bitter taste caused by the content of saponins. A method of removing saponins using ultrasound (40 kHz, τ=20 min) has been proposed, which made it possible to remove 60 % of saponins and completely remove the bitterness of grains. At the same time, the content of proteins remained unchanged while the content of phenols decreased by only 0.1 mg GAE/g. The addition of 18 % (to the mass of the flour mixture) of quinoa flour and the reduction of the starch content in the recipe had a positive effect on the organoleptic parameters of the bread quality. The acidity of dough (4.4–5.2 °Н) and bread (0.6 °Н) decreased compared to the control sample, but it was sufficient for a normal fermentation process. Bread with quinoa flour had increased moisture (more than 66 %), which can negatively affect its stability during storage. An increase in the proportion of quinoa flour in the recipe by 5 % contributed to an increase in the porosity of the crumb by 2.1 %. The proposed technology for making gluten-free bread with Quartet quinoa flour based on liquid sourdough can be industrially implemented as it makes it possible to obtain a product with desirable consumer properties. The total duration of dough ripening was reduced by 1–1.5 hours, compared to the steam method, which increases the economic efficiency of the proposed technology.

Health Benefits of Yerba Mate Consumption on Cardiovascular Health

Background: Yerba mate is a Paraguayan kind of herbal tea prepared from the dried and roasted leaves of trees called Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill. It is known for high content of polyphenols, methylxanthines and saponins. According to the studies products rich in those nutrients may have a positive influence on the humans cardiovascular health. Materials and methods: We reviewed publications obtained from PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were selected based on keywords such “yerba mate’’, “Ilex paraguariensis’’, “cardiovascular diseases’’. For the final analysis, qualified articles were published from 2005 to 2024. Results: Confirming positive impact on serum lipid levels individuals using mate tea. Long – term positive influence on blood pressure. Moreover subjects with obesity took advantages of Yerba beverage by decreasing waist-to-hip ratio. Patients with diabetes were observed to have a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose level and HbA1c concentration. Conclusions: Most of the cited researches support the hypothesis of benefits coming from drinking mate infusions for patients with elevated lipid serum levels, obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes mellitus. All of mentioned health issues can lead to the cardiovascular problems therefore using mate infusions can prevent CVDs. Taking everything into consideration, medical professionals might recommend Yerba mate tea for their patients especially as a replacement of a coffee.