Polygonatum sibiricum Delar. ex Redoute (P. sibiricum) is a traditional Chinese medicine with multiple health benefits in medicinal-edible dual consumption. However, its toxicological profiles and underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterized, limiting its safe clinical and dietary applications. In this study, an ethanolic extract of P. sibiricum (PS) was obtained via a microwave-assisted ethanol extraction method, and the flavonoid and saponin contents were quantitatively determined via colorimetric assays and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After oral administration to mouse models, the main blood-accessible constituents, acute, subacute and genetic toxicities, and potential mechanisms were systematically evaluated via HPLC, manifestation observations, routine blood tests, histopathological evaluations, and network toxicology analyses. The results demonstrated that the PS contained 1.138-mg/ml flavonoids and 9.152-mg/ml saponins. Approximately 10 blood-accessible constituents among 15 components were discovered, including diosgenin, 3'-methoxydaidzein, baicalein, (2R)-7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) chroman-4-one, 4',5-dihydroxyflavone, (+)-syringaresinol-O-beta-D-glucoside, zhonghualiaoine 1, methylprotodioscin_qt, sibiricoside A_qt and β-sitosterol. Although PS did not cause acute lethality, high-dose exposure induced obvious behavioural changes and chromosomal damage. Subacute administration elicited time-dependent biochemical disturbances and structural lesions in the liver, kidney and spleen. Bioinformatic results linked hepatotoxicity to PI3K-AKT signalling, nephrotoxicity to HIF-1 and MAPK cascades, and splenotoxicity to convergent PI3K-AKT, NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Molecular docking revealed robust interactions between PS constituents and the predicted toxicity-related targets. Taken together, these findings suggest that PS is nonlethal but potentially has genetic and multiorgan toxicities. Multitarget and multipathway mechanisms are involved in PS-induced toxicities. These findings provide a comprehensive toxicological reference for the rational and safe use of P. sibiricum in both medicine and diet.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of total saponins from wild bitter melon (Momordica charantia L. var. abbreviata Ser.) with response surface methodology and kinetic analysis

The increasing global demand for functional foods rich in nutrients has spurred the exploration of agricultural practices aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of crops. This study explored the effects of potassium biofortification on quinoa microgreens (QMG). The results showed that treatment with 8 mmol·L- 1 KCl increased fresh weight by 60.25-fold, reduced nitrate and free amino acids, and increased the contents of soluble sugars, proteins, vitamin C, fats, and cellulose. The application of potassium also increased the contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes. A comprehensive evaluation indicated that QMG harvested 25 days after germination had optimal nutritional value and lower nitrate content. This study demonstrates that potassium biofortification is an effective strategy to improve the yield, nutritional quality, and health-promoting value of QMG, providing a theoretical basis for its development as a functional food.

Synergistic foliar titanium and soil organic fertilizer drive terpenoid-mediated microbiome assembly to restrict Cd/Pb uptake in Panax notoginseng.

Phytochemical investigation of Camellia flava leaves guided by response surface method-optimized extraction: New triterpenoid saponins and flavonoid glycosides.

Bacopa monnieri is a medicinal herb rich in triterpenoid saponins, particularly bacoside A3, which contribute to its neuropharmacological activity. In the present study, a combined ultrasound–microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE) strategy was optimized using Response Surface Methodology based on a Box–Behnken design to enhance extract concentration, total saponin content, and antioxidant activity. Ultrasonic time (15–30 min), microwave power (100–300 W), and microwave irradiation time (2–6 min) were selected as independent variables. The developed quadratic models were highly significant (p < 0.0001) with strong predictive capability of R2 value (0.9659) and non-significant lack-of-fit (p > 0.05). Under optimized conditions (26.23 min ultrasonic time, 204 W microwave power, and 3.8 min irradiation), the extract concentration reached 47.24 mg/mL, total saponin content (VSAA) was 230.75 µg/mL, and DPPH radical scavenging activity was 78.22%. HPLC analysis confirmed enhanced bacoside A3 recovery (0.32%) in UMAE-treated samples compared to Soxhlet extraction (0.04%), representing an eightfold increase. Raman, FTIR, and SEM analyses further confirmed structural modification and improved mass transfer resulting from ultrasound–microwave synergy. These findings demonstrate that RSM-optimized UMAE provides a rapid, efficient, and reproducible platform for maximizing bacoside recovery from Bacopa monnieri.

High-resolution HPLC-MS/MS profiling of group A and group B seed saponins in 711 diverse soybean germplasms.

Ginseng Leaf (Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaernt.) is a widely used plant. It is often used as an herbal supplement to improve health due to its content of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and polyphenols. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to examine the ability of ginseng leaf extract to increase IL-2 cytokines stimulated by ovalbumin antigen, to evaluate the phenolic and flavonoid content, and to assess the antioxidant activity. The subjects were Wistar rats categorized into four distinct groups. Group I served as the control group. Group II was subjected solely to ovalbumin induction, whereas Groups III and IV were subjected to antigen induction and subsequently treated with extract at dosages of 0.4 g/kg and 0.8 g/kg, respectively. Serum levels were measured using an ELISA reader, while phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant potentials were determined using a UV spectrophotometer. The results show that the IL-2 level in the extract groups at doses of 0.4 g/kg (364 ng/ml) and 0.8 g/kg (717.33 ng/ml) is higher than in the group stimulated by ovalbumin antigen without extract (250.67 ng/ml). The phenolic content amounted to 13.08784 mg GAE/g and flavonoids to 2.5734 mg QE/g and the extract showed strong antioxidant potential with an IC50 value of 50.87. In conclusion, ginseng leaf extract has immunotherapeutic potential and provides cellular protection against oxidative stress.

By using two different solvents (aqueous and alcoholic), this study sought to quantitatively assess the primary biochemical components in the leaf and stem extracts of Viburnum tinus and conduct a qualitative phytochemical screening. Qualitative analysis of the plant extracts revealed the presence of several types of secondary metabolites. with a notable variation in their distribution based on the plant part and the solvent used. Both sections had a large quantity of flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, according to the findings. Among the tested samples, the alcoholic stem extract exhibited a strong presence of flavonoids and saponins. while the water leaf extract had a high concentration of tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. The importance of choosing the right solvent to isolate certain classes of chemicals is highlighted by these results. In terms of quantitative biochemical analysis, the leaves had much greater concentrations of total carbs (average 0. 492 mg/g), total protein (average 0. 862 mg/g), and total free amino acids (average 0. 656 mg/g) than the stems. The essential mineral content was also examined; the concentrations of Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), and Copper (Cu) ranged from 39. 15 to 60. 38 ppm, 1. 17 to 1. 57 ppm, and 1. 89 to 5. 73 ppm, respectively, with a relative increase in Fe levels in both leaves and stems. These findings, in conjunction with the plant's potential for pharmaceutical and nutritional applications, demonstrate that Viburnum tinus, with the leaves in particular, represents a valuable source of bioactive compounds and important nutrients.

Senegalia rugata (Lam.) Britton &amp; Rose has been used in the treatment of traditional ailments for a long time in Thailand. However, the specifications of S. rugata remain limited, which is crucial for quality control. The aims of this study are to authenticate and evaluate the quality of S. rugata by employing DNA barcoding and pharmacognostic characterization of pods. The molecular identification using six DNA nucleotides sequences was studied. The chemical determination, microscopic and physico-chemical properties of pods from six different sources were also investigated while the saponin content was quantitively detected by spectroscopy using quillaja saponin as a reference standard. The result of nucleotide sequence analysis and intraspecific variation of the six DNA barcode regions of all specimens showed that they are the same species and presented the different length of nucleotide sequences among each DNA region namely ITS (530-532 bp), psbA-trnH (416-418 bp), and trnL-F (1,025-1,030 bp). However, the sequences of matK, rbcL, and ycf1 from all samples were identical in length at 864, 723, and 913 bp, respectively. Intraspecific polymorphism and gaps occurred in ITS, matK, psbA-trnH, rbcL, and trnL-F, while no nucleotide variation found in ycf1 regions. Thin layer chromatographic chromatograms from both ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed the same chemical patterns while total saponin content quantified as quillaja saponin equivalent of the aqueous extract was significantly higher than the ethanolic extract. The DNA barcoding, microscopic characters and physico-chemical properties were firstly reported which could be used to identify and control the quality of S. rugata.

Quinoa seeds contain high amounts of minerals, carotenoids, and tocochromanols (vitamin E) and can be classified into bitter and nonbitter genotypes based on their saponin contents. Saponins may form complexes with minerals and cholesterol, but their impact on the bioaccessibility of minerals, carotenoids, and tocochromanols from quinoa is unknown. We therefore subjected the seeds of 12 quinoa genotypes (n = 6 bitter, n = 6 nonbitter) to in vitro digestion and quantified the concentrations of the nutrients in digesta. Bitter and nonbitter quinoa did not differ in digestive stability, solubility, bioaccessibility, and micellar efficiency of these compounds. Mineral bioaccessibility was low, whereas that of the lipid-soluble compounds was low to medium. The mean micelle sizes and negative surface charges of mixed micelles did not differ between bitter and nonbitter quinoa seeds. In conclusion, the saponins in quinoa do not appear to affect micellar characteristics or to impair the bioaccessibility of minerals, carotenoids, and tocochromanols.

The nutritional transition in sub-Saharan Africa, marked by increased consumption of energy-dense foods, has contributed to the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Oxidative stress plays a central role in insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. The validation of traditional medicinal plants such as Elephantopus mollis (Asteraceae) may provide alternative therapeutic strategies. Elephantopus mollis is used in Cameroon eastern region folk medicine in the management of diabetes and obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, in vitro antioxidant activity, and the effect of E. mollis aqueous extract on glycaemia reactivity and anthropometrics parameters on MACAPOS 2 high-fat diet fed rats. Total phenolic, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins contents of extract were determined using standard methods. The Antioxidant potential was explored considering 1.1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide radical inhibiting activity, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) ability, and total antioxidant capacity of the extract. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were fed a standard or high-fat diet for 30 days and treated concomitantly with once daily oral administration of E. mollis aqueous extract (Em50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) or metformin (70 mg/kg b.w.). The effect of E. mollis were investigated on, fasting glycaemia, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, body weight gain, white adipose tissues (visceral, perirenal and peritesticular fats), food and water intakes. In Elephantopus mollis aqueous extract, saponins were the most abundant quantified metabolites (907.5 ± 18.37 µg SE/g), followed respectively by total polyphenols (788.67 ± 11.58 µg GAE/g), flavonoids (189.02 ± 7.96 µg QE/g), alkaloids (108,52 ± 9,75 µg QiE/g) and tannins (5,25 ± 0,18 µg TAE/g). This extract showed strong antioxidant activity by inhibiting nitric oxide, scavenging DPPH free radicals, reducing power. The MACAPOS 2 high-fat diet increased fasting glycemia, induced glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and fat accumulation. The E. mollis extract decreased fasting glycemia, body weight gain, food and water intake. This extract remarkably (p &lt; 0.01) decreased white adipose tissues associated with a significant improvement of glucose tolerance, and peripheral insulin sensitivity. E. mollis aqueous extract exhibited significant antioxidant potential, decreased fasting glycemia, improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and anthropometric parameters thus justifying its empirical use in the management of diabetes and obesity.

Background: Hepatic diseases represent a significant health issue on a global scale and the search of effective and safe hepatoprotective agents with botanical origins remains to be the focus of scholarly concern. Although they have been used traditionally and are known to exhibit hepatoprotective effects, a number of medicinal plants have not been investigated properly on pharmacognostic and phytochemical grounds. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to develop detailed pharmacognostic monographs, to develop physicochemical standards, to define phytochemical profiles, and to develop chromatographic fingerprints of five hepatoprotective medicinal species, including Leucas cephalotes (Roxb.). Spreng, Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (wild varieties), Spermacoce hispida L., Trianthema portulacastrum L., and Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.--chosen on account of their medicinal capabilities. Methods: The macroscopic, microscopic and powder microscopy analyses were conducted as per the recommendations as laid down by the world health organization and the Indian pharmacopoeia. Quantitative determination was done on the physicochemical parameters which included the ash values, extractive values and the moisture content. Later successive extractions with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous solvents were done. Primary phytochemical screening was performed by using conventional chemical analyses. Chromatographic fingerprinting was done using the thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) whereas the Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used to identify the functional groups. Results: The five species had recognizable macroscopic and microscopic features in line with the common taxonomic attributes. The determined physicochemical parameters were in the acceptable ranges according to the pharmacognostic guidelines. The phytochemical screening revealed a high concentration of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins, and steroids. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) produced separate Rf values of individual taxon and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatograms produced four to six properly resolved peaks, which could be associated with phenolic and flavonoid chemical classes. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy supported the existence of typical functional groups that belong to these categories of phytoconstituents. Conclusion: The existing pharmacognostic monographs and chromatographic fingerprints offer complete pharmacognostic and chromatographic standardization information about these hitherto unknown hepatoprotective plants, hence acting as quality-control standards when developing herbal drugs.

Saharan dryland systems in southern Tunisia are characterized by severe environmental constraints, including saline and waterlogged soils due to poor drainage and compacted textures. Agroecological practices such as intercropping and crop rotation offer sustainable alternatives to intensive monoculture for improving soil health and productivity. This study, conducted in southern Tunisia, evaluated the agroecological performance of different quinoa genotypes under varying planting densities, comparing monocropping, intercropping with oat, and rotation with traditional cereals such as wheat and oat. Seed rate (sowing density) significantly influenced growth, yield, and seed quality. A 6 kg ha-1 seed rate produced the highest stem diameter, plant height, and biomass. A 12 kg ha-1 seed rate reduced growth and yield, with harvest index (HI) and seed yield declining by up to 76%, depending on genotype. Saponin content increased by up to 25% with a high seed rate, whereas protein content decreased. Quinoa-oat intercropping enhanced plant height, stem diameter, and dry weight, but reduced quinoa HI by up to 53%. In contrast, oat HI, seed yield, and thousand-kernel weight (TKW) increased under the intercropping system. Land equivalent ratio values ranged from 1.5 to 2.14, indicating improved system productivity, whereas competitive ratio (CRq) values confirmed that quinoa was less competitive than oat. Rotation with quinoa increased oat harvest index by 95% but reduced wheat harvest index by 22%. Both intercropping and rotation improved soil organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus availability while reducing salinity, enhancing soil fertility. These results highlight the potential of quinoa-based cropping systems for sustainable production and soil management in arid and saline environments. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

The increasing demand for plant-based proteins with good functional properties has led to the exploration of alternative protein sources especially from plants like almonds (Prunus dulcis). Alkaline extraction method was used to extract protein from almond seed, and the extract obtained was freeze dried and the quality of the isolate was assessed. The functional properties, antioxidant activity and vitamin C content of the extracted protein were determined. Water absorption was 0.77 ± 0.08 g/g, oil absorption 1.81 ± 0.38 g/g, and foaming capacity 0.78 ± 0.07 g/g. Antioxidant activity was 161.34 ± 1.67 mg/g (saponin content), 7.85 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g (phenolic content) and 4.95 ± 0.48 mg QE/g (flavonoid content). Vitamin C content was 3.29 ± 0.05 mg/g. The almond protein isolate has favorable functional properties and antioxidant activity.

for its richness in ginsenoside saponins and exceptional pharmacological properties. However, excessive harvesting in the wild has led to serious depletion of natural populations and raised significant conservation concerns. As a result, alternative strategies are needed to ensure its sustainable use and preservation. In vitro cultivation has emerged as a sustainable approach to enhance bioactive compound production. This study investigated the effects of yeast extract (YE) elicitation at concentrations of 0.1 g/L (YE1) and 0.2 g/L (YE2) on antioxidant enzyme activity and secondary metabolite accumulation in P. vietnamensis to improve cultivation efficiency and phytochemical yield. Results revealed that, regarding antioxidant enzyme activities, YE1 significantly boosted catalase (CAT) activity, while YE2 increased peroxidase (POD) activity, suggesting distinct oxidative stress responses of these two enzymes towards yeast extract elicitation. In terms of chemical compound production, gallic acid, aescin, and quercetin were used as standard compounds to build the standard curve in phytochemical measurement. The results showed that YE1 increased total phenolic content (25 mg gallic acid-equivalent/g extract) and total saponin content (&gt;600 mg aescin-equivalent/g extract), while both YE1 and YE2 significantly increased total flavonoid content (56–57 mg quercetin-equivalent/g extract) compared to the control. A strong positive correlation between the total saponin, total flavonoid, and total phenolic content was obtained, with correlation coefficients of r = 0.96, r = 0.63, and r = 0.83, respectively. Therefore, yeast extract is considered a promising biological elicitor to enhance the phytochemical potential and the sustainable cultivation of Vietnamese Ngoc Linh ginseng.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a native South American crop with high nutritional value, is a promising option for sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, due to its environmental tolerance and valuable composition. This study aimed to evaluate quinoa genotypes using genotype by trait (GT) and genotype by yield × trait (GYT) graphical methods. Twenty genotypes obtained from the IPK Gene Bank in Germany were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications over two cropping seasons (2023 and 2024) in Rasht, Iran. The evaluated traits comprised morphological, phenological, yield-related characteristics, and grain saponin content. The combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant genetic variation among the genotypes for all traits, with significant effects of year and genotype × year interaction on key traits, including grain yield. GT analysis indicated that the first and second principal components accounted for 26.35% and 19.52%, respectively, explaining a total of 47% of the variance, and confirmed significant positive correlations between grain yield and traits such as panicle length and thousand-grain weight, as well as significant negative correlations between grain yield and specific phenological characteristics. Based on the GT biplot, genotypes 2 and 17, being closest to the center of the concentric circles, were identified as near-ideal genotypes with balanced performance across most traits. In contrast, GYT analysis revealed that the first two principal components accounted for 91.51% of the total variance, and the alignment of GY×PH, GY × SD, and GY×NPP vectors indicated positive correlations among these traits. The GYT biplot suggested that genotypes 6, 8, and 20 had balanced yield-trait profiles, highlighting their potential usefulness for further evaluation. Overall, this study provides preliminary evidence of quinoa performance under the tested conditions and emphasizes the theoretical applicability of the GYT approach in quinoa breeding programs.

Quinoa is an Andean crop with wide genetic variability, including the capacity to adapt to various environmental conditions, which is essential for improving its yield and quality. The present work sought to characterize and agromorphologically evaluate 27 accessions of quinoa and the commercial cultivar 'Salcedo INIA' (SAL) for 28 qualitative and 25 quantitative variables. The results show that, on average, maturity occurred at 120 days after sowing (DAS), with a range of 105 DAS (ACC 50) to 132 DAS (ACC 35, ACC 37, ACC 43 and SAL). Grain diameter varied between 2.39 and 1.92 mm, with ACC 29 and the SAL control having the largest seed. The percentage of saponin varied between 0.210 and 0.089%, with ACC 43 having the lowest percentage. The severity of mildew infection varied between 17.22% and 1.22%, with ACC 50 being the most resistant genotype. Grain yield ranged from 5.60 (ACC 33) to 2.44 (ACC 42) t ha-1. Genotypes ACC 29 and ACC 50 had the highest selection index (SI) values, at 1.10 and 1.01, respectively, being notable for their earliness, short stature, low saponin content, and seed productivity.

Gastrointestinal endoparasitic diseases, particularly those caused by some strongyles, represent one of the main health challenges in equine production. The prolonged use of synthetic anthelmintics has led to the development of resistance, which has prompted the search for more sustainable therapeutic alternatives. However, plant extracts rich in secondary metabolites are emerging as a promising option. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts and bioactive compounds (total phenols and saponins) from Azadirachta indica and Cnidoscolus angustidens against L3 larvae of strongyles in horses. Three extracts were prepared: the first one from A. indica, the second one from C. angustidens, and the third one as a 1:1 (v/v) mixture thereof. These were characterized phytochemically by spectrophotometry and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Anthelmintic activity was evaluated by a larval inhibition assay in ELISA plates, using two doses (1200 and 1800 µL). A. indica had the highest concentration of total phenols and saponins, while C. angustidens stood out for its tannin content and total phenols. The highest larval inhibition was recorded with the total phenols of C. angustidens, the saponins of A. indica, and crude extracts of both species. In contrast, the mixture of extracts showed a significant reduction in anthelmintic activity, evidencing a possible antagonistic interaction between their metabolites. A potential anthelmintic activity of A. indica and C. angustidens aqueous extracts, as natural sources of anthelmintic compounds, was detected against L3 larvae of strongyles in equines.

Physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses of Panax ginseng leaves to low-temperature stress under different soil water conditions