Levels Of Saponins Research Articles

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 11.3g/L concentrations of paclobutrazol on both root yield and the levels of saponins and flavonoids in O. japonicus. Lower paclobutrazol concentrations (1.3g/L) led to increased levels of saponins and flavonoids in O. japonicus such as ophiopogonin D′, ruscogenin and ophiopogonanone F, with paclobutrazol residues measuring 77.17μg/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.

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.

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.

Drought stress enhances phytochemical, antioxidant, antidiabetic and anticancer properties in Pandanus tectorius

Global warming is responsible for increasing temperatures and reducing rainfall in many regions of the world. Due to insufficient rainfall or lack of water in the soil, plants experience a range of morphological and biochemical alterations when they are exposed to drought conditions. Interestingly, the cells of drought-stressed plants can serve as a potential source for discovering new drugs. These secondary metabolic products have important biological functions that determine how plants interact with the environment and help them accommodate alterations. Present research has shed light on the response of Pandanus tectorius induced drought stress at 8th and 16th days. The studies observed the levels of various secondary metabolites in plants under drought-induced stress. Among the secondary metabolites analyzed, total alkaloids exhibited the highest overall concentration at 26.19 ± 0.83a. Furthermore, the observations found that drought stress had a significant impact on the plant's secondary metabolism. This resulted in increased levels of total alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and phenolics compared to the control plant. Especially the concentration of phenolics showed the most significant increase, with a remarkable 64.99% rise observed at the 16th day of treatment. The concentration of phenolics reached (20.52 ± 0.181c) at this level. Moreover, compared to control, P. tectorius exhibits significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, molecular docking, and anticancer effects against MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line inhibitory concentration IC50 values (48.91 ± 0.95 μg/mL) at 16th day treated plants. Consequently, the positive responses of P. tectorius drought stress enhance secondary metabolites. This research focus on drought stress stimulus prompts an urge in the production of secondary metabolites in P. tectorius, leading to an increase in its anticancer and anti-diabetic properties and treatments for type-2 diabetes and against fighting for cancer with minimal side effects and helping prevent diseases.

Sensory evaluation and chemical composition of Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum herbal tea and spice.

Herbal teas are ingested for various purposes and by diverse populations across the globe. There is a growing recognition among individuals of the advantages associated with the use of this beverage, leading to a heightened demand for the manufacture of herbal tea derived from therapeutic plants. Spices on the other hand add flavour to food but could pose harm if it is high in phytates and oxalates. The objective of this study was to develop natural spices and herbal tea with health beneficial properties using Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum berries. Herbal tea samples from S. nigrum were prepared by sorting berries, maceration, divided into two (fermenting at 18 °C and non-fermenting) and dried at 60 °C for 12 h in a hot oven. Spices from S. torvum and S. nigrum were prepared by removing the berries from the stalk, freeze-drying and smooth milling into fine powder. In addition, antinutrient, phytochemical and sensory evaluation studies were conducted on these spices and herbal teas. A nine-point hedonic scale was utilized for the purpose of conducting a consumer acceptability sensory evaluation test using 101 untrained panelists. Data was then analyzed by t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the level of significance (p < 0.05) was assessed using Tukey's and Dunnett's multiple comparison tests. The panellists expressed a favourable perception towards Solanum nigrum unripe unfermented green herbal tea (6.65 ± 2.08) as compared to the other formulated teas due to the components working together in a way that produces a nice tea sample. Both Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum spices contained various levels of catechins, saponins, flavonoids, oxalates, phytates and tannins comparable to literature. The herbal tea samples exhibited a range of catechin content, varying from 0.255 to 0.756 mg/g. The antioxidant activity of the various herbal tea samples ranged from 66.37 ± 0.24 to 78.53 ± 0.18 µg/mL GAE as determined by the DPPH free radical assay Fermented black herbal teas recorded higher total phenols (2.80 ± 0.09d), total flavonoids (21.84 ± 1.84c) and showed greater antioxidant activity (78.53 ± 0.18a) as compared to the unfermented green herbal teas. The process of fermentation resulted in a decrease in pH from 7.22 to 6.53 within a period of 12 h. The Total Titratable Acidity (TTA) grew as the fermentation period progressed, whereas the Total Soluble Solids (TSS) decreased. Phytates were the least antinutrients among the two Solanum species accounting for 0.02 mg/100 g and 0.03 mg/100 g in S. torvum berries (STBs) and (S. nigrum berries) SNBs respectively.

Analisis Metabolit Sekunder Daun Brucea javanica [L] Merr dari Dua Tempat Berbeda di Pulau Timor

The leaves of Brucea javanica [L] Merr have long been utilized as an alternative medicine for a variety of illness. Although a number of investigations have been conducted to ascertain the advantages and composition of secondary metabolites in this plant's leaves, nothing has ever been published on the particular study conducted on the island of Timor. The purpose of this study was to ascertain which secondary metabolites were present in the leaves of this plant that was grown in two distinct locations on Timor Island. The findings of this study will be used as an empirical basis for future investigations into the use of herbal remedies. The study's findings demonstrated that while flavonoids and alkaloids weren't present from the plant's ethanol extract, it did contain highly concentrated terpenoids and tannins at both locations. In contrast, saponin content was only discovered in leaves collected from the neighbourhood of Fatumnutu. The spectrophotometer test revealed that the ethanol extract of Bruce planta javanica [L] Merr from Noelbaki Village had a greater secondary metabolite absorption value compared to plant extract from Fatumnutu Village. The absorption values for tannin and alkaloid showed the largest overall variation in absorption levels, varying by around 0.513% and 0.68% for each constituent. In the meantime, there is a 0.513% variation in tannin compounds between the two sites. In order to ascertain the bioactivity of this plant's leaf extract for the creation of herbal medicines in Indonesia, more investigation is required into the variations in saponin levels and absorbency levels of secondary metabolite compounds from the two locations.

Submerged cultivation and phytochemical analysis of medicinal mushrooms (Trametes sp.).

Mushrooms are widely available around the world and have various nutritional as well as therapeutic values. Many Asian cultures believe that medicinal mushrooms can prolong life and improve vitality. This study aims to characterize the phytochemical and polysaccharide content, mainly β-glucan content, of mycelial biomass and fruiting bodies collected from the Himalayan region, particularly Uttarakhand. Through molecular analysis of the LSU F/R-rDNA fragment sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the strain was identified as Trametes sp. We performed screening of phytochemicals and polysaccharides in mushroom and biomass extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a PC-based UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The macrofungal biomass was found to be high in saponin, anthraquinone, total phenolic, flavonoid, and β-glucan content. In biomass extract, we observed a high level of saponin (70.6µg/mL), anthraquinone (14.5µg/mL), total phenolic (12.45 µg/mL), and flavonoid (9.500 µg/mL) content. Furthermore, we examined the contents of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and sterols in the biomass and mushroom extracts; the concentration of these compounds in the ethanol extract tested was minimal. We also looked for antioxidant activity, which is determined in terms of the IC50 value. Trametes sp. mushroom extract exhibits higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (62.9% at 0.5 mg/mL) than biomass extract (59.19% at 0.5 mg/mL). We also analyzed β-glucan in Trametes sp. from both mushroom and biomass extracts. The biomass extract showed a higher β-glucan content of 1.713 mg/mL than the mushroom extract, which is 1.671 mg/mL. Furthermore, β-glucan analysis was confirmed by the Megazyme β-glucan assay kit from both biomass and mushroom extract of Trametes sp. β-glucans have a promising future in cancer treatment as adjuncts to conventional medicines. Producing pure β-glucans for the market is challenging because 90-95% of β glucan sold nowadays is thought to be manipulated or counterfeit. The present study supports the recommendation of Trametes sp. as rich in β-glucan, protein, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities that help individuals with cancer, diabetes, obesity, etc.

Synergistic effects of boron and saponin in mitigating salinity stress to enhance sweet potato growth

Salinity stress significantly hinders plant growth by disrupting osmotic balance and inhibiting nutrient uptake, leading to reduced biomass and stunted development. Using saponin (SAP) and boron (B) can effectively overcome this issue. Boron decreases salinity stress by stabilizing cell walls and membranes, regulating ion balance, activating antioxidant enzymes, and enhancing water uptake. SAP are bioactive compounds that have the potential to alleviate salinity stress by improving nutrient uptake, modulating plant hormone levels, promoting root growth, and stimulating antioxidant activity. That’s why the current study was planned to use a combination of SAP and boron as amendments to mitigate salinity stress in sweet potatoes. Four levels of SAP (0%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.20%) and B (control, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L B) were applied in 4 replications following a completely randomized design. Results illustrated that 0.15% SAP with 20 mg/L B caused significant enhancement in sweet potato vine length (13.12%), vine weight (12.86%), root weight (8.31%), over control under salinity stress. A significant improvement in sweet potato chlorophyll a (9.84%), chlorophyll b (20.20%), total chlorophyll (13.94%), photosynthetic rate (17.69%), transpiration rate (16.03%), and stomatal conductance (17.59%) contrast to control under salinity stress prove the effectiveness of 0.15% SAP + 20 mg/L B treatment. In conclusion, 0.15% SAP + 20 mg/L B is recommended to mitigate salinity stress in sweet potatoes.

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis in Panax notoginseng flowers across planting patterns and developmental stages using integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses

The simulative habitat cultivation of Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) under pine forests using organic management (OM) enhances the quality of Sanqi roots. However, the impact of the OM on the quality of Sanqi flowers remains unknown. The Sanqi flowers cultivated under OM compared with those cultivated under CM (conventional management) exhibited higher levels of flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, as well as dry/fresh weight. Principal component analysis demonstrated that metabolites were predominantly influenced by the cultivation patterns followed by the flowering stage. Several of the differentially abundant metabolites and expressed genes were upregulated in Sanqi flowers cultivated under OM. The flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was highly affected by the cultivation systems and flowering stages, mediated by the essential genes C4H, HCT, C3′H, DFR, and FLS. Flavonoid levels peaked at full bloom, indicating that this is the optimum stage for harvesting Sanqi flowers. Our findings are of great value for developing optimal cultivation and harvest practices.

Exploring Steroidal Saponin Composition and Morphometric Characteristics of Rhizomes from Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don: Inference for Medicinal Properties and Genetic Stock Improvement.

Trillium govanianum, a medicinal herb, exhibiting diverse morphometric traits and phytochemicals across developmental stages of plants. The changes in the chemical profile and steroidal saponin levels in the rhizome of T. govanianum across different developmental stages were previously unknown. This study categorizes rhizomes into three types based on scar presence: juvenile (5-10 scars, Type I), young (11-19 scars, Type II), and mature (21-29 scars, Type III). Rhizomes show varying sizes (length 1.2-4.7 cm, girth 0.3-1.6 cm), weight (0.18-5.0 g), and extractive yields (9.7-16.1 % w w-1), with notable differences in saponin content (5.95-21.9 mg g-1). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS)-based chemical profiling identifies 31 phytochemicals, mainly including diverse saponins. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (UHPLC-ELSD)-based quantitative analysis of seven key saponins reveals stage-specific accumulation patterns, with protodioscin (P) and dioscin (DS) predominant in mature rhizomes. Statistical analysis confirms significant variation (p=0.001) in saponin levels across developmental stages with chemical constituent protodioscin (P=4.03±0.03-15.76±0.14 mg g-1, PAve=9.79±3.03 mg g-1) and dioscin (DS=1.23±0.06-3.93±0.07 mg g-1, DSAve=2.59±0.70 mg g-1), with acceptable power (p=0.738; |δ|>0.5) statistics for effective sample size (n=27 samples used in the study) of T. govanianum. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Euclidean clustering further highlighted chemotype distinctions.

Evaluation of quercetin in alleviating the negative effects of high soybean meal diet on spotted sea bass Lateolabrax maculatus

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of quercetin (QUE) on alleviating the negative effects of high soybean meal diet for spotted sea bass Lateolabrax maculatus. A healthy control group fed a 44% fishmeal diet was used, while the induction control group replaced 50% fishmeal with soybean meal. Subsequently, QUE was added at concentrations of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 g/kg in the experimental groups. A total of 540 tailed spotted sea bass were randomly divided into 6 groups and fed the corresponding diet for 56 days. The results showed that 40% soybean meal significantly decreased the growth performance and immunity, increased the intestinal mucosal permeability, and caused damage to the intestinal tissue morphology; moreover, there were alterations observed in the composition of the intestinal microbiota, accompanied by detectable levels of saponins in the metabolites. However, the addition of QUE did not yield significant changes in growth performance; instead, it notably reduced the permeability of the intestinal mucosa, improved the body's immunity and the structural integrity of the intestinal tissue, increased the proportion of Proteobacteria, and enhanced the richness and diversity of intestinal microorganisms to a certain extent. In addition, QUE up-regulate the metabolism of amino acids and their derivatives and energy-related metabolites such as uridine and guanosine; furthermore, it appears to regulate transporters through the ABC transporters pathway to promote the absorption and utilization of QUE by enterocytes.

Effects of thermal processing on the nutritional and antinutritional properties of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) seed flours

The study was carried out to evaluate the effects of thermal processing treatments on nutrient and antinutrient contents of African yam bean seed flours. The African yam bean seeds were sorted, cleaned and divided into five equal lots of one kilogram each. Four lots were processed into boiled, blanched, roasted and autoclaved African yam bean flours, while the last lot was processed raw and used as control. The flour samples obtained were analysed for proximate, mineral, vitamin and antinutrient contents using standard methods. The proximate composition of the samples revealed that the flours had a range of 6.14-11.24% moisture, 8.18-14.37% crude protein, 3.06-4.61% fat, 2.04–3.32% ash, 3.18–3.56% crude fibre, 62.90–76.98% carbohydrate and 350.57–368.50 kJ/100g energy, respectively. The mineral composition of the samples showed that the flours contained 128.81–174.16 mg/100g calcium, 88.86–212.20 mg/100g, potassium, 134.71–166.77 mg/100g phosphorus, 89.17 – 122.76 mg/100g, magnesium, 14.28–18-11 mg/100g iron and 3.24–5.59 mg/100g zinc, respectively. The vitamin composition of the flours were 1.15–1.37 mg/100g ascorbic acid, 1.15–135 mg/100g thiamine, 1.19–1.55 mg/100g niacin, 1.34–1.85 mg/100g riboflavin, 1.09–1.29 mg/100g folic acid, 1.37–1.95 mg /100g vitamin A and 1.27–1.66 mg/100g vitamin E, respectively. The results showed that the roasted and autoclaved African yam bean flours generally had higher crude protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, mineral and vitamin contents than the boiled and blanched flour samples compared to the raw sample. The antinutrient composition of the flours also showed that the levels of trypsin inhibitor activity, tannin, phytate, oxalate, saponin and haemagglutinin of the samples were significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced by boiling, autoclaving roasting and blanching treatments compared to the raw sample. However, the study revealed that the processed African yam bean flours have the potentials to be used as nutrient dense ingredients in the preparation of a wide range of food products than the raw sample especially in both underdeveloped and developing countries where the problems of protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrients deficiencies are prevalent.

Phytochemical screening and GC-FID identification of bioactive compounds in n-hexane, ethylacetate and methanol fractions of methanolic leaves extract of Azanza garckeana

Azanza garckeana is a tropical African plant commonly used for food and medicine. This study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant, phytochemicals and the bioactive compounds present in n-hexane, ethylacetate and methanol fractions of the methanolic extract of Azanza garckeana leaves. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant assayed were carried out using standard methods, while bioactive compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The phytochemical compositions revealed considerable level of tannins and saponins with moderate concentration of flavonoids and steroids in the methanol fraction; whereas n-hexane fraction also showed considerable amount of tannins followed by saponins and a low concentration of steroids. However, ethylacetate fraction had the highest yield of tannins, steroids, and terpenoids which were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than methanolic fraction and n-hexane fraction respectively. The antioxidant activity of the methanolic crude extract of A. garckeana leaves showed that the % DPPH radical scavenging activity of the crude extract increased with decreased in concentration when compared with the standard antioxidant (ascorbic acid). The result of GC-FID analysis revealed the presence of nineteen constituents in n-hexane fraction, while ethylacetate and methanol fractions each have twenty constituents. This result showed that Azanza garckeana leaves contain health-promoting bioactive compounds with potent antioxidants.

LC-MS/MS-QTOF Screening and Identification of Phenolic compounds from Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Madhuca longifolia Leaves

Natural products, particularly those derived from plants and microbes, offer an endless supply of unique compounds that can be converted into new pharmaceuticals. Due to their potential health benefits, bioactive components from herbs, particularly phenolics, have recently attracted a lot of interest. One of the multi-use forest tree species, Madhuca longifoliaJ. Koenig. (mahua), is found throughout much of South Asia and offers locals a source of food, fuel, fodder, and other non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in addition to timber. Almost all of this tree's components exhibit its therapeutic qualities.Mahua's phytochemical analysis reveals that it contains high levels of vitamins, alkaloids, sugar, glycosides, proteins, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. These compounds are responsible for a variety of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antihyperglycemic, spasmolytic, hepatoprotective, anticonvulsant, anticancer, results of the High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (HR-LCMS) analysis showed that plant extracts included a number of pharmaceutically significant chemicals. By comparing the weights and fragmentation patterns of the twenty-four (24) phenolic compounds in this work with those of published libraries, the LC-MS/MS method was used to screen and confirm them. The findings of this research support the usage of this plant as a source of bioactives and the beneficial effects of these compounds on human health.

The approximate mineral and phytochemical content of the leaves, stem bark, and roots of Pterocarpus erinaceus in India

Proximate analysis of dried Pterocarpus erinaceus leaves (DPE), stem bark (DSB) and root (DSR) contained moisture (9.11%, 7.61%, 7.02%), crude protein (7.60%, 5.11%, 4.33%), crude fibre (12.2%, 25.6%, 18.5%), ether extracts (0.58%, 0.42%, 0.30%), ash (12.6%, 10.5%, 10.2%) and carbohydrates (45.4%, 38.0%, 37.2%) respectively. Mineral composition of DPE revealed the presence of calcium (108.6 mg/100 g), phosphorus (60.38 mg/100 g), potassium (39.7 mg/100 g), magnesium (12.51 mg/100 g), zinc (10.44 mg/100 g), manganese (8.55 mg/100 g), cobalt (1.16 mg/100 g), copper (4.58 mg/100 g), sodium (25.2 mg/100 g) and iron (16.13 mg/100 g) while those of DSB and DSR contained calcium (90.60, 91.55 mg/100 g), phosphorus (40.11, 43.80 mg/100 g), potassium (30.2, 30.0 mg/100 g), magnesium (9.93, 8.90 mg/100 g), zinc (7.55, 7.00 mg/100 g), manganese (5.20, 4.88 mg/100 g), cobalt (1.11, 1.00 mg/100 g), copper (2.40, 2.21 mg/100 g), iron (19.6, 18.4 mg/100 g) and iron (11.0, 10.67 mg/100 g). The phytochemical analysis of DPE, DSB, and DSR revealed that it contains high levels of flavonoids (11.20, 7.51, 7.20 mg/g), tannins (8.81, 4.91, 4.10 mg/g), steroids (1.61, 1.14, 1.02 mg/g), glycosides (4.42, 1.20, 6.19 mg/g), phenols (41.5, 30.4, 31.2 mg/g), saponins (28.6, 15.1, 14.0 mg/g), alkaloids (19.6, 15.8, 25.3 mg/g), flavonoids (11.20, 7.51, 7.20 mg/g), tannins (8.81, 4.91, 4.10 mg/g), and terpenoids (1.40, 0.65, 0.55 mg/g), respectively. According to the findings, DPE, DSB, and DSR are rich in minerals and phytochemicals, and they can be utilized as a natural substitute for antibiotics in animal production.