Saponaria Officinalis Research Articles

The Size-Number Trade-Off and Resource Allocation in Saponaria officinalis Under Continuous Pollination

The size-number trade-off in plant reproduction indicates a necessary balance between producing a few large offspring versus many small ones, each with distinct survival and reproductive implications. This trade-off may be particularly important in species that reproduce continuously throughout the growing season, like Saponaria officinalis. Plants must dynamically adjust their resource allocation strategies to optimize reproductive success across multiple reproductive cycles. Although reproductive strategies in plants have been widely studied, little is known about how continuously reproducing species adjust their resource allocation in response to pollinator availability. This study seeks to clarify how Saponaria officinalis allocates resources under continuous pollination and whether this leads to a trade-off between seed number and seed size throughout the growing season. To explore this, my study used 60 plants that were located within a field of 1600 S. officinalis plants at Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS). Plants were divided into control (30) and treatment (30) groups, with treatment plants receiving continuous pollination to simulate constant pollinator availability; and control plants receiving natural open-pollination. During my project, seed pods were categorized as empty or filled, and seeds were counted and weighed to assess reproductive output. I expected to find an increase in reproductive success in the treatment group, with steady production of larger seeds due to increased resource availability from continuous pollination. However, contrary to these expectations, there was no significant difference in seed weight between the treatment and control groups. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving reproductive strategies in continuously reproducing species. The insights gained can inform broader ecological theories and have practical applications in conservation and agricultural management, where optimizing reproductive success under varying conditions is essential.

Unlocking saponin biosynthesis in soapwort.

Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is a flowering plant from the Caryophyllaceae family with a long history of human use as a traditional source of soap. Its detergent properties are because of the production of polar compounds (saponins), of which the oleanane-based triterpenoid saponins, saponariosides A and B, are the major components. Soapwort saponins have anticancer properties and are also of interest as endosomal escape enhancers for targeted tumor therapies. Intriguingly, these saponins share common structural features with the vaccine adjuvant QS-21 and, thus, represent a potential alternative supply of saponin adjuvant precursors. Here, we sequence the S. officinalis genome and, through genome mining and combinatorial expression, identify 14 enzymes that complete the biosynthetic pathway to saponarioside B. These enzymes include a noncanonical cytosolic GH1 (glycoside hydrolase family 1) transglycosidase required for the addition of D-quinovose. Our results open avenues for accessing and engineering natural and new-to-nature pharmaceuticals, drug delivery agents and potential immunostimulants.

Insulin-Mimetic Activity of Herbal Extracts Identified with Large-Scale Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy.

Diabetes mellitus is a spreading global pandemic. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the predominant form of diabetes, in which a reduction in blood glucose uptake is caused by impaired glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane in adipose and muscle cells. Antihyperglycemic drugs play a pivotal role in ameliorating diabetes symptoms but often are associated with side effects. Hence, novel antidiabetic compounds and nutraceutical candidates are urgently needed. Phytogenic therapy can support the prevention and amelioration of impaired glucose homeostasis. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), 772 plant extracts of an open-access plant extract library were screened for their GLUT4 translocation activation potential, resulting in 9% positive hits. Based on commercial interest and TIRFM assay-based GLUT4 translocation activation, some of these extracts were selected, and their blood glucose-reducing effects in ovo were investigated using a modified hen's egg test (Gluc-HET). To identify the active plant part, some of the available candidate plants were prepared in-house from blossoms, leaves, stems, or roots and tested. Acacia catechu (catechu), Pulmonaria officinalis (lungwort), Mentha spicata (spearmint), and Saponaria officinalis (common soapwort) revealed their potentials as antidiabetic nutraceuticals, with common soapwort containing GLUT4 translocation-activating saponarin.

In-Vitro Evaluation of Antiulcer Activity of Ethanol Extract of Saponaria Officinalis

For the treatment and prevention of illnesses and disorders, medicinal plants are recognized to contain conventional therapeutic substances. This study examined the potential of ethanol extracts of Saponaria officinalis to block H+/K+ ATPase and neutralize acids in order to determine whether they may be utilized to cure ulcers. In traditional medicine, the Saponaria officinalis is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and inflammation. The acidity of the extract at a 1500 mg/ml concentration was much lower than that of conventional aluminium hydroxide + magnesium hydroxide (500mg), falling to 5.33 from 12.7. The ethanol extract of Saponaria officinalis at a concentration of 100μg, showed maximum percentage of inhibition of 67.17±1.96% as compared to omeprazole 71.47±0.52%, demonstrated the highest percentage of inhibition of the H+/K+ - ATPase. The results of this study suggest that Saponaria officinalis ethanol extract contains substances that can block enzymes and neutralize acids, making it a potential alternative treatment for digestive issues.

Degradation of benzo [a] pyrene in the soil enhanced by soapwort: The role of soapwort and functional microbial community

The limited bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils poses a challenge for their biodegradation. We hypotheses soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) as a factory in-situ providing biosurfactant, which could effectively promote the BaP removal by exogenous or native functional microbes. Rhizo-box and microcosm experiments were conducted to analyze the phyto-microbial remediation mechanism of soapwort, a plant that excretes biosurfactants known as saponins, and combined with two exogenous strains (P. chrysosporium and/or B. subtilis) for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-contaminated soils. The results revealed that the natural attenuation treatment (CK) BaP achieved only a 15.90% BaP removal rate after 100 days. In contrast, soapwort (SP), soapwort-bacteria (SPB), soapwort-fungus (SPF), soapwort- bacteria - fungus (SPM) mediated rhizosphere soils treatments yielded removal rates of 40.48%, 42.42%, 52.37%, and 62.57%, respectively. The analysis of the microbial community structure suggested that soapwort stimulated the introduction and native functional microorganisms, such as Rhizobiales, Micrococcales, and Clostridiales, which contributed to BaP removal via metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the efficient BaP removal was attributed to saponins, amino acids, and carbohydrates, which facilitated mobilization, solubilization of BaP, and microbial activity. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of soapwort and specific microbial strains to effectively remediate PAH-contaminated soils.

The Investigation of the Antibacterial Activity of Eryngium caucasicum trautv, Saponaria officinalis, Froriepia subpinnata, Malva sylvestris, and Urtica dioica

Background: Regarding the increasing resistance of bacteria against antibiotics and the existence of antibacterial compounds in plants, we here investigated the antimicrobial effects of the methanolic extracts of several plants on pathogenic bacteria. Methods: Ten grams of the dry ingredients of Eryngium caucasicum trautv (leaf), Saponaria officinalis (flower), Froriepia subpinnata (leaf), Malva sylvestris (leaf), and Urtica dioica (leaf) was poured in 100 mL of methanol and shaken for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the extracts were strained and dried in the oven, and their antimicrobial activity at the 100 mg/mL concentration was evaluated against the mentioned bacteria using the sinkhole method. Results: The plant extracts inhibited the growth of all bacteria in various degrees. Among all the plant extracts used, that of F. subpinnata delivered the largest diameter of growth inhibition zone (6 mm) against S. dysenteriae, and the extracts of E. caucasicum and F. subpinnata showed the largest diameter of inhibition zone against Xanthomonas translucens. Also, the extract of M. sylvestris delivered the largest inhibition zone diameter (8 mm) against E. coli. Conclusions: Our results showed that the methanolic extract of E. caucasicum was the most effective plant extract against S. dysenteriae, Rathayibacter tritici, and L. monocytogenes, but M. sylvestris extract revealed the greatest impact on E. coli. It is recommended to further investigate the antibacterial compounds of these plants as potential treatments for bacterial infections.

Native species can reduce the establishment of invasive alien species if sown in high density and using competitive species

Invasion of alien species is one of the main drivers of land degradation threatening both natural and managed ecosystems. Ecological restoration is crucial in controlling invasion to improve biotic resistance and avoid further land degradation. We investigated the possibility of controlling the establishment of invasive alien species (IAS) by native seed addition. We tested if trait similarity or increased propagule pressure of native species results in the suppression of IAS at the early stage of development. We set up a sowing experiment with three widespread IAS in Hungary of different life forms and functional groups (Asclepias syriaca, Conyza canadensis, Tragus racemosus) and four Pannonic sand grassland species (Festuca vaginata, Galium verum, Gypsophila paniculata, Saponaria officinalis). We found no significant differences in germination ability and seedling emergence between native species and IAS, despite the differences in thousand‐seed weight. Using univariate general linear models, we found that the seedling establishment of IAS can be reduced by adding native species at high densities but also depending on the species identity. Instead of species of similar traits, the seeding of a competitor perennial grass of sand grasslands (F. vaginata) reduced the seedling emergence of all studied IAS the most. Our results confirm that IAS can be effectively controlled by native seed addition in the early establishment stage, especially applying higher densities and competitive species. We conclude that invasion‐resistant restoration can be achieved by the combination of several factors, including high‐density sowing of native species that match IAS in the early stage of development.

Transformations of Vascular Flora of a Medieval Settlement Site: A Case Study of a Fortified Settlement in Giecz (Wielkopolska Region, Western Poland)

Exceptional components of the cultural landscape of Central Europe include archaeological sites, e.g., castle ruins, prehistoric or medieval fortified settlements, other settlements and burial mounds. The plants associated with them help us explain the processes of species persistence on habitat islands as well as the process of naturalization of crop species, which escape from fields or are abandoned. This study describes the flora of a medieval fortified settlement in Giecz (Wielkopolska region, western Poland), presents plant indicators of former settlements (relics of cultivation), species of high conservation value, and transformations of the vascular flora of this settlement over a few decades. Field research was conducted in 1993–1994, 1998–1999, and 2019. At the study site, 298 species of vascular plant species were recorded, and nearly 70% of them (201 species) have persisted there over the last 20 years. The flora includes seven relics of cultivation (Artemisia absinthium, Leonurus cardiaca, Lycium barbarum, Malva alcea, Pastinaca sativa, Saponaria officinalis, and Viola odorata), 5 species threatened with extinction in Poland and/or Wielkopolska, and 53 species of least concern (LC) according to the European red list. We have attempted to explain the floristic changes. The archaeological site in Giecz is of high conservation value, very distinct from the surrounding cultural landscape because of its specific flora, and composed of species from various habitats (e.g., dry grasslands, wooded patches, meadows, aquatic and ruderal habitats), including threatened, protected, and relic species.

The potential of selected plant extracts in anti-acne skincare formulations

Consumer awareness and the desire to reach for cosmetics with natural ingredients are still growing. The active ingredients of plants can reduce acne lesions and skin redness accompanying them. Specialised cosmetic formulations should support Anti-acne products containing therapeutic agents, reducing visible skin inflammation. These products should act simultaneously, ensuring proper skincare due to the content of plant metabolites exhibiting desired biological activity. In this study, the application of a selected plant extract in cosmetic preparations for acne skincare containing selected plant extracts was prepared: Arnica montana flower, Sambucus nigra and Rosmarinus officinalis leaf, Saponaria officinalis root, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice and Silybum marianum seed oil and then their effects were compared. The extracts were applied as active ingredients in face cream, serum and micellar solution forulations. The physicochemical properties (pH value, stability, dispersed phase particle size and type of emulsion) were evaluated; moreover, rheological tests of the samples were carried out, and the skin cleansing ability of the micellar solution was examined. In addition, all the formulations were subject to various tests, which allowed for the evaluation of their organoleptic properties. It was noticed that the used plant raw materials affect the care of the skin with acne tendencies. Both extracts (Arnica montana flower extract and Sambucus nigra extract) were used in the same concentrations in the cosmetics so that differences in results were easy to compare. Importantly, during the consumer tests, the probants discontinued usage of other anti-acne agents normally applied, which allowed for an objective assessment of the effect of the tested extracts on the acne skin. The formulations tested were proven to be effective cosmetics supporting anti-acne therapy.

A Sebum-Mimetic Lipid Monolayer and Its Interaction with (Bio)Surfactants

Surfactants present in cleansing formulations interact not only with the unwanted lipids accumulating on the human skin (dirt) but also with its protective lipidic layer (sebum). Development of simple models of human sebum would help to compare different surfactants and biosurfactants under the same conditions. In this contribution we propose a first monolayer model of synthetic sebum composed of lard, stearic acid, lanolin, squalane and cholesterol. The monolayer compression isotherm features a gas-liquid (G-LE1), two liquid-liquid transitions (LE1-LE2 and LE2-LC), and a collapse at πcoll = 45 mN/m. The monolayer spread on pure water and pre-compressed to π0 = 30 mN/m was exposed to four synthetic surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) and cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB)) and four plant extracts (oat (Avena sativa L.), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), cowherb (Vaccaria hispanica [P. Mill.] Rauschert), soybean (Glycine max L.) and soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.)) introduced to the subphase at a dry mass content of 1% (w/w). Three modes of the monolayer-(bio)surfactant interactions were observed: (1) complete solubilization (SLS, SLES, ALS, CAPB); (2) penetration accompanied by an increase of surface pressure and elasticity but without solubilization (horse chestnut, cowherb, soapwort); (3) no interaction (oat, soybean).

Salicylic Acid Improves the Salt Tolerance Capacity of Saponaria officinalis by Modulating Its Photosynthetic Rate, Osmoprotectants, Antioxidant Levels, and Ion Homeostasis

Salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in regulating salt stress tolerance in plants. However, there are no studies on the effect of exogenous SA on Saponaria officinalis under salt stress. To study the effectiveness of SA on mitigating salt stress, S. officinalis were used in a pot experiment of salt stress simulated with an NaCl solution (100, 200, and 300 mmol L−1), while an SA solution (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 mmol L−1) was sprayed on leaves. Under salt stress, spraying SA caused an increase in the salt damage index, electrolyte leakage, and a reduction in malondialdehyde and Na+ content, but an increase in the rate of photosynthesis, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, soluble protein, free proline, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ content, the K+/Na+ ratio, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase activity, and the comprehensive score. The results show that SA improves the salt tolerance capacity of S. officinalis by modulating its photosynthetic rate, osmoprotectants, antioxidant levels, and ion homeostasis. However, the effectiveness of SA was not linearly related to its concentration. In summary, our findings reveal the protective roles of SA against salinity in S. officinalis and suggest that the use of 0.6 mmol L−1 of SA in salt stress conditions could be an effective approach to reduce the damage caused by saline soil in S. officinalis.

A non-polar fraction of Saponaria officinalis L. acted as a TLR4/MD2 complex antagonist and inhibited TLR4/MyD88 signaling in vitro and in vivo.

Targeting Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (TLR4/MD2) signaling is regarded as a potential strategy for treating inflammatory diseases. Saponaria officinalis L. is rich in saponin, which include quillaic acid, gypsogenin, saponarin, and hederagenin. We evaluated the pharmacological activity of a Saponaria officinalis extract in THP-1 derived macrophages and RAW264.7macrophages. TLR4/MyD88 complex formation and downstream signals were investigated by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). In silico docking simulation was conducted to predict binding scores and perform 3D modeling of saponarin-TLR4/MD2 complex. A hexane fraction of Saponaria officinalis (SH) and fr.1 (a sub-fraction 1 of SH) inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) activity, cytokine production, and the expressions of marker genes specific for M1 polarization. The inhibitory effects of fr.1 and saponarin on TLR4/MyD88 complex formation were observed by western blotting TLR4 co-immunoprecipitated proteins. Saponarin and fr.1markedly attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines, thus reducing mortality and morphological abnormality in zebrafish larvae. Finally, docking simulation revealed that saponarin can directly interact with TLR4/MD2 complex to inhibit downstream signalings. Our findings suggest that saponarin reduces downstream inflammatory response by disrupting TLR4/MD2 complex and blocking MyD88-dependent inflammatory signaling.

Screening of the Antimicrobial Potential of Aqueous Extracts of Some Plants Collected from the City of Narafominsk, Moscow, Russia

Background: The antimicrobial properties of medicinal plants, including those from Russian flora, can be a considerable asset in the fight against antibiotic resistance and the search for new antimicrobials. The present work aimed at assessing the antimicrobial properties of plants collected from the Narafominsk's flora, a city located on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia.
 Methods: The plants were collected from June to August 2021, the extraction was carried out with water as a solvent and the antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested on 3 referenced microorganisms from the American Type Culture Collection (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231). We determined the inhibition diameters by the well diffusion method, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) & minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) by the microbroth dilution method.
 Results: A total of 59 samples from 33 plants were extracted and included 44.1% of leaves (n=26), 32.2% of flowers (n=19), 8.5% of barks (n=5), 5.1% of whole plant (n =3) and 1 stem and 1 root (1.7%). Inhibition diameters ranged from 0 to 28 mm, MICs and MBCs from 0.5< to >128 mg/ml. 69.49% (n=41) of the plants showed an inhibition diameter greater than zero (>0 mm) against S. aureus, 42.37% (n=25) against E. coli and only 23.72% (n=14) against C. albicans. The plant parts ranked in decrease order of antimicrobial activity were as follows: flower < bark < leaf < whole plant < root < stem < fruit. The plants having shown a noteworthy antimicrobial (MIC ≤0.5 mg/ml) activity against at least 1/3 microorganisms tested and which deserve to be investigated in depth were: flowers of Epilobium angustifolium, Spirea japonica, Heracleum mantegazzianum and Saponaria officinalis, bark of Picea abies and the whole plant extract of Rumex obtusifolius. The second group (1≤ MIC ≤ 4 mg/ml) of plants with no less worthy antimicrobial abilities were flowers of Angelica sylvestris, Arctium minus, Centaurea jacea, Convallaria majalis, Melampyrum nemorosum and Physocarpus opulifolius, leaf of Achillea millefolium and Heracleum mantegazzianum, and bark of Quesrcus robur.
 Conclusion: Flower extracts of Epilobium angustifolium, Spirea japonica, Heracleum mantegazzianum, Saponaria officinalis against are highly recommended for further studies since they presented the best MIC and inhibitions diameters.

Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Green Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized by Saponaria officinalis L., a plant with high saponin content

Metallic nanoparticles are generally more stable and active than the metal ions from which they were synthesized where both nanoparticles and metal ions usually have antimicrobial properties. Their antimicrobial effect generally covers gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria along with fungi. And unlike antibiotics that target specific essential synthetic pathways in the cell antimicrobial actions of metallic nanoparticles are nonspecific. Due to this fact NPs with antibacterial properties are foresen as potential agents against stubborn bacterial infections that show multidrug resistance. In this work we report copper nanoparticle (CuNP) synthesis through green route, structural characterization and evaluation of its’ antibacterial properties. Source of reducing agent selected was soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) root extracts that are known to be high in saponin content. Main aim of generating green nanoparticles from copper and S. officinalis root extracts was to combine antibacterial effects of both CuNPs and bioactive phytochemicals from soapwort. Structural characterisation of the Green-CuNPs were performed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), fourier conversion infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Green-CuNPs coated (perhaps) with saponins and other active phytochemicals were tested for their antimicrobial activities against two common bacteria (Eschericia coli and Staphylococus aeurous). The bulk of the genrated NP were shown to be pure nanocrystalline structures (XRD analysis) with average diameter of 17 nm. FTIR analysis data confirmed both CuNP formation and functionalization with aromatic hydrocarbon structures (possibly saponins). In the evaluation of antimicrobial properties, it was observed that NPs had weak to moderate but statistically significant antimicrobial effects against E. coli and S. aeurous when used at high doses. Further diagnostics and experimentations may be done to reveal the true mechanistics of antimicrobial activity of Green-CuNPs synthessised with S. officinalis.

Separation and Quantification of Selected Sapogenins Extracted from Nettle, White Dead-Nettle, Common Soapwort and Washnut

Saponins are an important group of secondary metabolites naturally occurring in plants with important properties like: antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Moreover, they are widely used in the cosmetic industry and household chemistry. The sapogenins are saponin hydrolyses products, frequently used to facilitate saponin detection. In the present study, an improved methodology for isolation and separation of five sapogenins extracted from nettle (Urtica dioica L.), white dead-nettle (Lamium album L.), common soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) and washnut (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.) was developed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with an evaporative light-scattering detector (UHPLC-ELSD). Based on quantitative analysis, the highest content of hederagenin (999.1 ± 6.3 µg/g) and oleanolic acid (386.5 ± 27.7 µg/g) was found in washnut extracts. Good recoveries (71% ± 6 up to 99% ± 8) were achieved for four investigated targets, while just 22.2% ± 0.5 was obtained for the fifth one. Moreover, hederagenin and oleanolic acid of whose highest amount was detected in washnut (999.1 ± 6.3 µg/g and 386.5 ± 27.7 µg/g, respectively) were subject to another approach. Consequently, liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (LC/MS) with multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) was used as an additional technique for fast and simultaneous identification of the mentioned targets.

Effect of the oat, horse chestnut, cowherb, soy, quinoa and soapwort extracts on skin‐mimicking monolayers and cell lines

AbstractThe main goal of the study was to compare the effect of aqueous extracts of oat (Avena sativa L.), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.), cowherb (Vaccaria hispanica [P. Mill.] Rauschert) and soy (Glycine max L.) on model lipid monolayers mimicking the lipid membrane of keratinocytes and intercellular lipids of stratum corneum, and on human skin‐related cell lines. Two lipid monolayers, consisting of a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and cholesterol mixture in a molar ratio of 7:3 and Ceramide VI, stearic acid and cholesterol in a molar ratio of 1:1:0.7, and two cell lines (human keratinocyte HaCaT and human skin malignant melanoma A375) were employed. None of the extracts reduced surface pressure below the level achieved for bare monolayers. The strength of the effect on the lipid monolayers (horse chestnut > cowherb > soapwort > soy) points to the existence of some specific interactions responsible for the observed affinity of biosurfactants from the extracts to the lipids in the monolayers. The cytotoxicity tests performed with two model skin cell lines showed that all six plants extracts significantly reduced the cells' viability in a concentration‐dependent way. The model lipid monolayers were not solubilized by the investigated surface‐active extracts. The latter thus proved interesting candidates for application in mild cleansing cosmetic formulations. Penetration of the monolayers by surface‐active components of some extracts, especially horse chestnut, cowherb and soapwort, opens new possibilities for topical delivery of active components.

Surface-active extracts from plants rich in saponins – effect on lipid mono- and bilayers

The aqueous extracts of the seeds of oat (Avena sativa L.), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), cowherb (Vaccaria hispanica [P. Mill.] Rauschert) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), and the roots of soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) without any preservatives were characterized in terms of their surface tension, surface compression (dilational) rheology, foamability and foam stability. The saponin content in the extracts was determined using UPLC-MS and their interaction with model lipid monolayers consisting of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)/cholesterol and Ceramide AP/stearic acid/cholesterol were analyzed by surface pressure relaxation, surface compression elasticity and neutron reflectometry (NR). The lipid composition was chosen to mimic the cell membrane of keratinocytes – major constituents of the human deeper skin layers, and the intercellular lipids (“mortar”) in the “bricks and mortar” model of the outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum). Bilayers of DPPC/cholesterol were additionally characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and NR. The oat and soybean extracts were shown to be much less abundant in saponins as compared to cowherb, horse chestnut, soapwort or quinoa, and showed limited foaming abilities. They did not affect significantly the model lipid mono- and bilayers mimicking the skin outer layers, either. The horse chestnut extract affected both model membranes to the highest extent, yet without solubilizing the lipids.

Оцінка ефективності вилучення розчинених у воді нафтопродуктів переробленими відходами полімерної упаковки в середовищі рослинних ПАР

Оцінка ефективності вилучення розчинених у воді нафтопродуктів переробленими відходами полімерної упаковки в середовищі рослинних ПАР

The growth inhibitory potential of eudicot‐based preparations against plant pathogenic fungi

The infection of certain plants with pathogenic fungi species results in a significant loss in the production yield of these plants, some of which are with high economical importance. In the current study, we studied the growth inhibitory potential of several eudicot plant preparations (Lavandula angustifolia, Matricaria chamomilla L. and Saponaria officinalis L.) against certain plant pathogenic fungi species, namely, Phytophthora infestans, Rhizoctania solani, Fusarium oxysporum. f. sp. lycopersici and Macrophamina phaseolina. We found that solutions prepared with these plants mostly show concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the growth of these fungi species. These plant-based anti-fungal preparations might potentially be used in the control of fungi species studied in the present study, in order to increase the production yield of their host plants. Further research is required to identify the mechanisms of action of these plant-based solutions on pathogenic fungi growth.

Surface activity of the oat, horse chestnut, cowherb, soybean, quinoa and soapwort extracts – Is it only due to saponins?

Saponins – amphiphilic molecules produced by plants, can be relatively easily extracted and applied as replacements of synthetic surfactants, e.g. in cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food products. In this contribution, surface activity of aqueous extracts of oat (Avena sativa), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)), soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), cowherb (Vaccaria hispanica) and soybean (Glycine max) plants has been assessed by analysis of surface tension, surface compression (dilational) rheology, foamability and foam stability. We observed that the extracts significantly differ in their surface activity, depending on the plant, its organ, and extraction method. The UPLC-MS analysis did not show strong correlation between the total saponin content and the observed surface activity. For some allegedly saponin-rich plants (especially oat, soybean and cowherb), the saponin concentration in aqueous extracts was found too low and variable to explain their surface activity, pointing to the crucial role of non-saponin extract components.