Levels Of Saponins Research Articles

Germination and False Germination Increase the Levels of Bioactive Steroidal Saponins in Oats.

The health benefits of oats, particularly their enhanced nutritional and bioactive properties when sprouted, are well-documented. However, changes in steroidal saponins during germination and false germination are lacking. This study explored the influence of various temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) and durations (1, 3, 5, and 7 days) on the steroidal saponin profiles in both germinated and false-germinated oats and assessed their anti-inflammatory activities. The findings revealed that germination at 20 °C for 7 days significantly increased the total steroidal saponin content to 3265.54 μg/g, doubling its original concentration. Notably, avenacoside E (AVE-E), the most potent anti-inflammatory steroidal saponin in oats, increased by an impressive 21-fold from 64.02 to 1421.35 μg/g, becoming the predominant saponin following germination. Furthermore, the hydrolysis of sugar moieties and enzymatic synthesis of steroidal saponins were proposed as plausible secondary metabolic pathways during germination and false germination. This research provides the first evidence that germination and false germination can significantly enhance the steroidal saponin levels in oats and their anti-inflammatory properties, with germination proving more effective than false germination, highlighting the potential of these methods to further enhance the health benefits of oats.

Analyzing Aloe vera and Avocado Seed Extracts for Antioxidants, Saponins, Tannins, Flavonoids, and Alkaloids Using the UV-VIS Spectrophotometric Method

Background This study sought to quantify the levels of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, as well as the IC50 values of avocado seed and aloe vera extracts. Methods The materials included in the investigation consisted of 70% ethanol extracts derived from avocado seeds and Aloe vera. Both samples underwent quantitative phytochemical analyses to ascertain total component content and an antioxidant activity assessment utilizing the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) technique to evaluate % inhibition and IC50 values. The absorbance of the samples was quantified using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, which facilitated the calculation of total chemical content and antioxidant activity. Results The avocado seed extract comprised saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins at concentrations of 0.21%, 0.0232%, 19.94%, and 10.66%, respectively, with an IC50 value of 135 μg/mL. The aloe vera extract comprises saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins at concentrations of 0.74%, 0.0313%, 0.99%, and 4.68%, respectively, with an IC50 value of 4614 μg/mL. Conclusion Avocado seeds exhibited elevated levels of flavonoids and tannins, while aloe vera demonstrated increased concentrations of alkaloids and saponins. In the antioxidant activity assessment, avocado seeds demonstrated superior antioxidant efficacy.

Potential Mechanisms and Effects of Dai Bai Jie Ethanol Extract in Preventing Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury

This study investigated the protective effect of Dai Bai Jie (DBJ) extract against acute alcoholic liver injury (AALI) and elucidated its potential mechanism. The total saponin level in the DBJ extracts was measured using vanillin–chloroform acid colorimetry. To observe the preventive and protective effects of DBJ on AML-12 cells in an ethanol environment, the effective components of DBJ were identified. An alcohol-induced AALI mouse model was used to evaluate the efficacy of DBJ against AALI. For this purpose, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) levels were assessed, liver function indices and oxidative and inflammatory markers were determined, and histopathological examinations were performed. Mechanistic investigations were conducted using RT-qPCR assays and immunohistochemical analysis to determine the protective effects of DBJ. The samples (DBJ-1, DBJ-2, and DBJ-3) were obtained by extracting DBJ with water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol, yielding total saponin contents of 5.35%, 6.64%, and 11.83%, respectively. DBJ-3 was isolated and purified, and its components were identified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). DBJ-3 had the greatest effect on cell viability in an ethanol environment. Moreover, DBJ-3 reduced inflammatory infiltration, liver cell degeneration, and hemorrhage, while increasing ADH and ALDH levels in liver tissues. Additionally, DBJ-3 considerably decreased the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels. DBJ-3 reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. Furthermore, DBJ-3 significantly increased alcohol dehydrogenase 1b (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) expression at the gene and protein levels within alcohol metabolism pathways and reduced the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) gene and protein levels. These findings suggest that DBJ-3 can prevent AALI by enhancing alcohol metabolism via the regulation of ADH1B and ALDH2 and the modulation of the NF-κB pathway to improve antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Cytogenomic evaluation of regenerated Aralia elata using PLOP-FISH and flow cytometry

Aralia elata is closely related to Panax ginseng and contains high levels of saponins and other medicinal compounds. Successful A. elata micropropagation is commercially significant; however, the genomic stability of tissue culture-derived regenerants is unclear. In this study, callus-derived regenerated A. elata plants were obtained, and their cytogenomic constitutions were assessed. Using RepeatExplorer, pre-labeled oligonucleotide probes (PLOPs) were developed with newly mined tandem repeats from < 1× NGS whole-genome short reads, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed using six repeat probes, including three universal PLOPs, and genomic DNA content was estimated using flow cytometry. Regenerated A. elata plants (50) exhibited consistent ploidy, repeat distribution, and genome sizes compared with those exhibited by the mother plant. Six repeat probes were detected using FISH. Tandem repeat AeTR49 was identified as an excellent cytogenetic marker for homologous chromosomes, and AeTR161 and AeTR178 were localized in the centromeric and telomeric sections, respectively. Genomic DNA content (2C) was estimated at 2.46 ± 0.04 pg in the mother plant and 2.41 ± 0.05 pg in regenerated plants, with no significant variations in genome size or chromosome length. These results demonstrate that cytogenomics can be used to effectively evaluate chromosome-level genomic stability in regenerated A. elata plants.

“Enhancing quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) protein extraction: Alkaline solubilization coupled to isoelectric precipitation effects on structure, digestibility and antinutrients”

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) has gained popularity as a plant-based protein source due to its high protein content and complete amino acid profile. However, protein extraction methods such as alkaline solubilization coupled to isoelectric precipitation (ASIP), can affect protein structure, digestibility, nutritional quality, and the composition of antinutritional factors. This study aimed to assess the effects of ASIP on the secondary structure, protein quality and antinutritional factors (ANFs) composition from three quinoa varieties. The results showed that quinoa protein isolates exhibited a decrease in random coil structures, while β-turns and β-sheets increased, as indicated by FTIR analysis. In vitro protein digestibility improved after protein extraction, ranging from 82.12% to 84.50%. The amino acid score ranged from 0.67 – 0.88, with Yellow quinoa protein concentrate exhibiting the highest value. Black quinoa protein isolate showed the lowest total oxalate content (105.00 mg/100g), while Red quinoa protein concentrate presented higher levels of phytic acid (2.0 g/100 g), saponins (150.0 mg/g), and total phenolic compounds (161.5 mg GAE/100g). Notably, gluten content decreased in all samples following protein extraction. Despite the presence of certain ANFs in quinoa protein isolates/concentrates, the protein quality of quinoa isolates and concentrates was not adversely affected. In conclusion, the extraction process reduced several ANFs, including lectins, oxalates, and gluten, while enhancing the overall protein quality.

Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Efficacy and Phytochemical Profiles of Ethanol and n-Hexane Extracts from the Roots of Ixora coccinea Linn

The root extracts of Ixora coccinea were evaluated for their phytochemical composition, antibacterial activity, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Quantitative phytochemical analysis was conducted to determine the levels of terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to confirm the presence of bioactive components in the extracts under different solvent systems, followed by antibacterial susceptibility tests using the disc diffusion method. The MIC was determined through serial dilution to identify the lowest concentration that inhibited bacterial growth. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that the ethanol extract contained 14.80% flavonoids, 6.00% alkaloids, 1.20% saponins, 1.80% terpenoids, and 0.03% tannins. In contrast, the n-hexane extract had higher terpenoid content (3.40%) but lower flavonoids (5.20%) and alkaloids (2.10%). Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis under varying solvent systems showed different Rf values, with the ethanol extract displaying more diverse spots, indicating a richer variety of bioactive compounds. Antibacterial susceptibility tests revealed that the ethanol extract produced larger inhibition zones (10 ± 0.4–28 ± 1.0 mm) than the n-hexane extract (6 ± 0.2–26 ± 0.8 mm). MIC results indicated that ethanol extract inhibited E. coli and S. aureus at 50 mg/L and B. subtilis at 25 mg/L, while the n-hexane extract required 100 mg/L for effective inhibition. In conclusion, the findings indicate that the plant possesses significant antibacterial potential, warranting further research to isolate and characterize the specific phytoconstituents responsible for the observed antimicrobial activities.

Evaluation of The Effects of Thermal Processing Treatments on The Nutrient and Anti-nutrient Composition of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Seed Flours

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of thermal processing techniques on the nutrient and antinutrient contents of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) flours. The pigeon pea seeds were sorted, cleaned and divided into five equal lots of 0.5kg each. Four lots of pigeon pea seeds were processed into blanched, boiled, roasted, and autoclaved pigeon pea flours, while the fifth lot was processed raw and used as control. The raw and thermally processed samples obtained were analysed for nutrient and antinutrient composition using standard methods. The proximate composition of the samples showed that the flours had a range of 8.61 - 11.46 % moisture, 21.13 - 23.94 % crude protein, 1.26 - 1.68 % fat, 5.12 – 6.10 % crude fibre, 1.74 – 2.97 % ash, 55.56 – 60.41 % carbohydrate and 333.45 - 342.75 kJ/100g energy, respectively. The mineral composition showed that the flours contained 86.24 – 144.72 mg/100g calcium, 137.80 – 170.33 mg/100g magnesium, 125.86 - 156.76 mg/100g potassium, 66.66 – 95.62 mg/100g sodium, 4.38 – 6.64 mg/100g iron and 130.27 – 178.29 mg/100g phosphorus, respectively. The vitamin content of the flours were 3.09 - 4.33 mg/100g ascorbic acid, 0.05 - 0.17 mg/100g thiamine, 0.03 - 0.21 mg/100g riboflavin, 0.13 - 0.28 mg/100g niacin, 3.21 - 6.25 mg/100g vitamin A and 1.10 - 2.70 mg/100g vitamin E, respectively. The antinutrient composition of the flours also showed that the levels of trypsin inhibitor, tannin, phytate, oxalate, saponin and haemagglutinin ranged from, 2.30 – 5.61 Tiu/mg, 0.81 – 1.5mg/100g, 1.12 - 4.18mg/100g, 0.48-4.01 mg/100g, 1.28 – 3.66 mg/100g and 1.30 – 7.44 Hiu/g, respectively. Therefore, the study showed that thermally processed pigeon pea flours could be used as nutrient dense ingredients in the preparation of a wide range of foods for children, adolescents and aged adults especially in developing countries where the problems of protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies are prevalent than the raw sample.

Optimizing Solvent Extraction for Potent Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities: A Study on Ampelocissus martini Root

The selection of extraction solvents is a critical factor influencing the composition and concentration of phytochemicals in plant extracts, thereby leading to variations in their biological activities. In this study, Ampelocissus martini Planch., an edible plant traditionally used for its medicinal properties, was investigated for its phytochemical profile and biological activities. We assessed the impact of different solvents used in fractionating the aqueous methanolic root extract of the plant on its phytochemical content, as well as its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties. Among the 3 fractions—ethyl acetate, butanol, and water-soluble—the butanol fraction exhibited significantly higher levels of total phenolics and proanthocyanidins, while the ethyl acetate fraction contained the highest levels of total flavonoids and saponins. The water-soluble fraction showed lower concentrations of these compounds compared to the other 2 fractions. The butanol fraction demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, outperforming other fractions and several standard antioxidants, as evidenced by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays. Additionally, the butanol fraction showed greater antidiabetic activity, indicated by a lower IC50 value, although it was still less effective than acarbose, a synthetic antidiabetic drug. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between total proanthocyanidin content and the observed levels of antioxidant and antidiabetic activities across the fractions. All fractions also exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Based on these findings, butanol emerges as the optimal solvent for extracting specific phytochemicals with potent antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities from the aqueous methanolic extract of A. martini root. The butanol fraction holds promise as a natural source of antioxidants for managing diabetes and its associated complications. HIGHLIGHTS Butanol extract showed strong antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, rich in proanthocyanidins. Strong link was found between proanthocyanidins and bioactivities in A. martini. Butanol fraction showed promise as a natural antioxidant for diabetes management. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The Heating Under Micro Variable Pressure (HUMVP) Process to Decrease the Level of Saponin in Quinoa: Evidence of the Antioxidation and the Inhibitory Activity of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase.

To reduce the level of saponin while preserving essential nutrients and antioxidative properties in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), this study delves into the optimization of the HUMVP process and thoroughly examines its effects on antioxidation as well as its inhibitory influence on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The optimal HUMVP conditions involved wetting quinoa grains with 6% water (pH = 6.0) and subjecting them to a 4 min treatment under 0.35 MPa pressure. The values of •OH, DPPH, and ABTS•+ scavenging rate of the extracts from the quinoa sample (named Q2HUMVP) treated under the optimum HUMVP process were 70.02, 87.13, and 50.95%, respectively. Furthermore, the treatment preserved 95.20% of polyphenols and 73.06% of flavonoids, while the saponin content was reduced to 23.13% of that in raw quinoa. Notably, Q2HUMVP extracts demonstrated superior inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared to dehulled quinoa samples. The inhibition exhibited by the quinoa sample extracts on α-amylase and α-glucosidase was found to be reversible.

UHPLC-MS/MS analysis of the influence of paclobutrazol application on Ophiopogon japonicus

The pharmacological effects of Ophiopogon japonicus are influenced by its active substances like saponins and flavonoids, which are crucial for assessing its quality. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of 20 saponins and flavonoids in O. japonicus. The average recovery of these compounds ranged from 70 % to 130 %, with relative standard deviations (RSD) between 0.11 % and 16.46 %. Planting O. japonicus in Santai County (Sichuan, China) and investigated the impact of 0.6, 1.3, 2.8, 5.6, and 11.3 g/L concentrations of paclobutrazol on both root yield and the levels of saponins and flavonoids in O. japonicus. Lower paclobutrazol concentrations (1.3 g/L) led to increased levels of saponins and flavonoids in O. japonicus such as ophiopogonin D′, ruscogenin and ophiopogonanone F, with paclobutrazol residues measuring 77.17 μg/kg DW. This preliminary insight into the influence of paclobutrazol and production of saponin flavonoids in O. japonicus bears significance for its larger industrial production.

Cerbera odollam fruit extracts enhance anti-cancer activity of sorafenib in HCT116 and HepG2 cells

ObjectiveWhile higher therapeutic doses of toxic cardiac glycosides derived from Cerbera odollam are frequently employed in cases of suicide or homicide, ongoing research is investigating the potential anticancer properties of low-concentration extracts obtained from the fruits of C. odollam. The present study aimed to determine the enhanced anticancer effects and minimize potential side effects of combining extracts from C. odollam fruits from Thailand with sorafenib against HCT116 and HepG2 cells. MethodsThe dried powder of fresh green fruits of C. odollam was fractionated, and its phytochemical contents, including total cardiac glycosides, phenolics, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, were quantified. The cytotoxic effects of these fractions were evaluated against HCT116 and HepG2 cells using the MTT assay. The fractions showing the most significant response in HCT116 and HepG2 cells were subsequently combined with sorafenib to examine their synergistic effects. Apoptosis induction, cell cycle progression, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were then assessed. The underlying mechanism of the apoptotic effect was further investigated by analyzing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the expression levels of antioxidant proteins. ResultsPhytochemical analysis showed that C. odollam-ethyl acetate fraction (COEtOAc) was rich in cardiac glycosides, phenolics, and flavonoids, while the dichloromethane fraction (CODCM) contained high levels of triterpenoids and saponins. Following 24 h treatment, HCT116 showed the most significant response to COEtOAc, while HepG2 responded well to CODCM with IC50 values of (42.04 ± 16.94) μg/mL and (123.75 ± 14.21) μg/mL, respectively. Consequently, COEtOAc (20 μg/mL) or CODCM (30 μg/mL), both administered at sub-IC50 concentrations, were combined with sorafenib at 6 μmol/L for HCT116 cells and 2 μmol/L for HepG2 cells, incubated for 24 h. This combination resulted in a significant suppression in cell viability by approximately 50%. The combination of treatments markedly enhanced apoptosis, diminished MMP, and triggered G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest compared to the effects of each treatment administered individually. Concurrently, increased formation of ROS and decreased expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 2 and catalase supported the proposed mechanism of apoptosis induction by the combination treatment. Importantly, the anticancer effect demonstrated a specific targeted action with a favorable safety profile, as evidenced by HFF-1 cells displaying IC50 values 2−3 times higher than those of the cancer cells. ConclusionUtilizing sub-IC50 concentrations of COEtOAc or CODCM in combination with sorafenib can enhance targeted anticancer effects beyond those achieved with single-agent treatments, while mitigating opposing side effects. Future research will focus on extracting and characterizing active constituents, especially cardiac glycosides, to enhance the therapeutic potential of anticancer compounds derived from toxic plants.

Enhanced nutritional profile of dehulled peas through fungal fermentation: Impacts on protein, starch, saponins, and total phenolic content

AbstractDehulled peas (DHP) are increasingly popular in food applications, but their integration in food products is limited due to high starch and fiber causing gelling and aggregation during cooking. Additionally, DHP contains saponins (secondary metabolite), contributing to bitter flavors, yet they also hold health benefits. We hypothesize that fungal fermentation could enhance DHP nutritional profile and integration into food products. This study evaluated the effects of six fungal organisms (Aspergillus niger [An], Aspergillus oryzae [Ao], Aureobasidium pullulans [Ap], Neurospora crassa [Nc], Rhizopus microspores var. oligosporus [Ro], Trichoderma reesei [Tr]) on DHP over 120 h of submerged fermentation, evaluating total phenolics, starch, saponins, crude proteins, and overall mass balance. Results from the study demonstrated notable changes post‐fermentation, including increased overall protein content and solubility, decreased starch content, reduced overall mass recovery, and elevated levels of total phenolics and saponins. Filamentous fungi exhibited a significant reduction in starch content, contributing to a substantial reduction in mass recovery (31%–60%) compared to the control. Unexpectedly, saponin concentrations increased (1.5 to 3 folds) during fermentation, possibly attributed to the breakdown of the substrate matrix and release of bound saponins. Total phenolic levels varied among microorganisms, with An and Nc demonstrating the highest increases (6 to 10 folds) as compared to the control. Overall, these findings point to fungal fermentation as a tool for adding value to yellow peas and other crops facing similar processing challenges. Further research is warranted to understand the health impacts and value of these enhancements.

Influence of microwave processing on nutritional, anti-nutritional, antioxidant and sensory characteristics of kachnar powder and supplemented flatbreads

This study examines the impact of microwave processing on Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) powder and its application in flatbreads. Microwave treatment reduced anti-nutrient levels of alkaloids, phytates, tannins, and saponins by 83–90 %, enhancing safety. Incorporation of microwaved kachnar powder (MwKP) into flatbreads at 2.5–10 % replacement levels improved nutritional profiles, with increases in ash (0.4–0.9 g/100 g), dietary fiber (2–3 g/100 g), protein (8–9 g/100 g), and minerals such as Fe (3–4 mg/100 g), Zn (3.2–3.9 mg/100 g), Na (3–10 mg/100 g), K (378–388 mg/100 g), Ca (30–45 mg/100 g), and Mg (125–145 mg/100 g). Antioxidant activity also increased significantly (p < 0.05) as measured by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Sensory evaluation showed a decline in acceptability for MwKP levels ≥7.5 %, though 5 % supplementation was well-received. The findings suggest that microwave processing is an effective method for reducing anti-nutrient content in Kachnar while improving its nutritional and antioxidant properties, making it a viable ingredient for enhancing baked goods.

Global climate change promotes aboveground growth and high-latitude species distribution in medicinal plants: Insights from the genus Panax

Global climate change (GCC) significantly affects the quality and distribution of medicinal plants, with varying impacts across genera, posing a threat to human health. However, an understanding of such influences is unknown. Here, we take the genus Panax as a case study, using meta-analysis and MaxEnt to analyze 710 observation pairs and 588 locations, in order to determine the impact of GCC on the quality and distribution of medicinal plants. Meta-analysis indicates that GCC enhances photosynthesis and physiology, promoting aboveground growth but hindering underground development. Saponin levels in aboveground parts decline without affecting those below ground, correlating closely with biomass. Further examination revealed that the genus Panax's response to GCC is significantly moderated by various factors. MaxEnt results showed a modest range expansion, particularly beneficial for Panax ginseng (Pg) and Panax quinquefolius (Pq) at higher latitudes, but detrimental for Panax notoginseng (Pn) at lower latitudes. Notably, root rot severity peaks in China's principal Panax cultivation areas under the SSP245 scenario. Ultimately, our results propose strategies for agronomic management: "Environment matching species" by adjusting water and nitrogen inputs, and "Species matching environment" by promoting carbon reduction and optimized production for migration to higher latitudes. By integrating meta-analysis with MaxEnt modeling, we provide a novel methodological framework for future research on medicinal plant adaptation to GCC.

Phytochemicals and Toxicity of the Extract from Cosmos caudatus Leaves

The efficacy of traditional medicines is related to the complexity of the chemical properties of the drugs. Cosmos caudatus Kunth is a traditional medicinal plant with therapeutic properties. This study aimed to determine the chemical compounds contained in C. caudatus Kunth leaves and their toxicity. Toxicity tests were conducted on 24 male mice (Mus musculus) divided into one control group consisting of aguadest and five treatment groups consisting of C. caudatus Kunth ethanol extract at doses of 125mg/kg bw, 250mg/kg bw, 500mg/kg bw, 1g/kg bw, and 2g/kg bw. Phytochemical analysis showed that the ethanol extract of C. caudatus Kunth leaves contained alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and saponins. The highest levels of alkaloids, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids were found in the ethanol extract of C. caudatus Kunth leaves fractionated with aqua, while the highest level of saponins was found in the aqua fractionation extract. The highest test dose of 2g/kg bw did not cause poisoning or death in mice. There were no significant differences in liver weight (p=0.14), kidney weight (p=0.44), or creatinine (p=0.21) between the control and treatment groups. Histopathological examination of the liver showed severe hydropic degeneration that was not significantly different between the control and treatment groups. Renal histopathology showed significant differences between the control and treatment groups. Conclusion: ethanol extract of C. caudatus Kunth leaves contains alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids and saponins. A dose of 2 g/kg bw of ethanol extract of C. caudatus Kunth leaves was not toxic to mice, but most of the mice's livers experienced severe damage.

Comparative Studies of Some Biochemical and Toxicological Investigations of Chromolaena odorata and Ipomoea involucrata from Lagos Suburb in Nigeria

The search for plants and plants products of medicinal potentials cannot be underestimated. Hence this study sought to investigate some parameters of medicinal importance.The phytochemical constituents, proximate and mineral composition, anti-nutrient contents, and acute toxicity of Chromolaena odorata and Ipomoea involucrata were analyzed using standard analytical methods. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids in both plants. Notably, Ipomoea involucrate exhibited higher saponin levels, suggesting potential unique medicinal properties. Proximate and mineral composition analysis indicated that both plants have low moisture content, which helps in preserving the active compounds by minimizing chemical degradation. Additionally, the plants were found to be rich in crude fiber, protein, and nutritionally valuable elements. Anti-nutrient assessments showed that Chromolaena odorata had the lowest cyanide (5.45mg/100 g) and phytate (0.23mg/100 g) levels, while Ipomoea involucrate had the lowest oxalate content (0.40 mg/100 g). Furthermore, no mortality was observed in tested animals following oral treatment with 2000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a high margin of safety. This study highlights that both Chromolaena odorata and Ipomoea involucrate possess beneficial phytochemical and nutritional profiles. The low moisture content in these plants contributes to the stability of their active compounds, enhancing their potential medicinal value. Ipomoea involucrata stands out for its higher saponin content, which may offer distinctive therapeutic benefits. The minimal presence of anti-nutrients andless lethal effectsfurther support their safety and efficacy as medicinal plants. The findings in this study however underscore the therapeutic potential of these plants and their suitability for use in drug development and their application in therapeutic products.

PROFILE OF ANTINUTRITIONAL FACTORS IN UMBRELLA THORN (VACHELLIA TORTILIS F.) PODS FROM NORTHERN YOBE STATE

Anti-nutritional factors in Umbrella thorn (Vachellia tortilis F.) pods harvested from northern of Yobe State, Nigeria were analysed. Samples of the pods were randomly collected from 18 locations within the study area, using multi-stage sampling procedure. Pods from each sample were processed and levels of saponins, tannins, oxalates and phytates concentration in Umbrella thorn pods were analysed. The results revealed significant (P&lt;0.0001) differences across all the locations. Sample gathered from Afunori shown to have highest 0.93% content for saponins while 0.94% tannins level was found in pods sample from Dogon Jeji village. Oxalates and phytates have highest means values of 1.84% and 32.9% in pods samples from Garin Tsangai and Garanda villages accordingly. The lowest levels 0.54% saponnins, 0.30% tannins, 0.07% oxalates and 15.63% phytates were obtained in pods samples for Dumar, jajeri, kaciya and Goniri kukawa villages correspondingly. Conclusively, Umbrella thorn (Vachellia tortilis) pods are potentially nutritive as forage material for small ruminants’ production and the levels of anti-nutritional factors has no negative effects when consume by small ruminant.

PHYTOCHEMICAL INDICES OF SHIVAN (GMELINA ARBOREA) AND SANDPAPER (FICUS EXASPERATA) LEAVES AS FORAGES FOR RUMINANTS

Browses and shrubs can contribute to reduce feeding cost for ruminants. They are known to contain phytochemicals, some of which have great potentials as substitutes for classic antibiotics and can enter the structure of feed additives with a promising effect on animal production. There is however, paucity of information on the phytochemical contents of Gmelina arborea and Ficus exasperate leaves. Thus study qualitatively and quantitatively assess the levels of phenols, tannin, saponin, steroids, flavonoid, terpenoid, reducing sugar, phytates, anthraquinones, cardiac glycoside, alkaloids and volatile oils in the leaves. The qualitative screening revealed the presence of all the investigated phytochemicals in the two fodders. Quantitatively, Gmelina arborea had significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher contents of phenols (624.36 vs. 99.22 mg/100g), flavonoid (126.49 mg/100g), tannins (153.79 vs. 103.36 mg/100g) and phytate (152.99 vs. 105.81 mg/100g) compared to Ficus exasperata. No significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were observed in the contents of the other investigated phytochemicals. It can be concluded that the two fodders show promise as ruminant feedstuffs, with Gmelina having an edge, from the standpoint of their phytochemical compositions.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Properties, Anti-nutrient Contents and Antimicrobial Study of Aqueous Extract of Morinda lucinda, Solanum erianthun, and Dryopteris expansa

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms poses a significant challenge in clinical practice by complicating treatment options for infections. Exploring natural products as alternative drugs presents a promising approach to addressing these issues. Medicinal plants, acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a preferred and safest source of various medicines, have gained considerable attention. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties, anti-nutrient content, and antimicrobial activities of Morinda lucinda, Solanum erianthun, and Dryopteris expansa The phytochemical analysis indicates that while flavonoids, saponins, and reducing sugars are common across the studied plants, Morinda lucida and Dryopteris expansa exhibit higher levels of saponins and the present of alkaloids, suggesting potential unique medicinal properties. The antimicrobial study revealed that the aqueous leaf extract of Morinda lucida made Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus susceptible to its effects, while Dryopteris expansa made only Streptococcus pyogenes susceptible and the aqueous leaf extract of Solanum erianthum made the fungal species Penicillium chrysogenum susceptible to its action. All the studied plants demonstrated very strong antioxidant activity. The anti-nutrient analysis showed that Morinda lucida had the lowest cyanide content at 5.50 mg/100 g, while Solanum erianthum had the highest cyanide content at 6.89 mg/100 g. Dryopteris expansa exhibited the lowest levels of oxalates and phytates, with values of 0.28 mg and 0.20%, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that each of these plants possesses significant potential as antimicrobial agents and antioxidants, with low toxicity levels. Consequently, they hold promise for medicinal applications and drug development.

BZIP transcription factor responds to changes in light quality and affects saponins synthesis in Eleutherococcus senticosus

Light quality considerably influences plant secondary metabolism, yet the precise mechanism underlying its impact on Eleutherococcus senticosus remains elusive. Comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that varying light quality alters the biosynthesis of triterpene saponins by modulating the expression of genes involved in the process in E. senticosus. Through correlation analysis of gene expression and saponin biosynthesis, we identified four light-responsive transcription factors, namely EsbZIP1, EsbZIP2, EsbZIP4, and EsbZIP5. EsbZIP transcription factors function in the nucleus, with light quality-dependent promoter activity. Except for EsbZIP2, the other EsbZIP transcription factors exhibit transcriptional self-activation. Furthermore, EsbZIP can bind to the promoter areas of genes that encode important enzymes (EsFPS, EsSS, and EsSE) involved in triterpene saponin biosynthesis, thereby regulating their expression. Overexpression of EsbZIP resultes in significant down-regulation of most downstream target genes，which leads to a decrease in saponin content. Overall, varying light quality enhances the content of triterpene saponins by suppressing the expression of EsbZIP. This study thus elucidates the molecular mechanism by which E. senticosus adjusts triterpene saponin levels in response to changes in light quality.