Saponin-rich Fraction Research Articles

Dereplication of New Saponins from Agave bracteosa.

The genus Agave comprises over 400 species that are known for their diverse applications, which include being sources of fiber, food, and beverages. There has recently been increased interest in exploring the metabolic content of this genus, and in this respect, saponins are the main compounds of interest. Saponins for Agave bracteosa have not been described to date, and the current work addresses the dereplication of a saponin-rich fraction to identify the structures of six compounds. The dereplication methods involve the use of UPLC-MSE analysis, NMR spectroscopy and published data for Agave saponins. A green extraction and isolation provided ten pure saponins. Remarkably, nine of these saponins have not been reported previously, namely (25S)-cantalasaponin-1 and bractofuranosides A-H. These compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity. Bractofuranosides B (5) and G (10) displayed 57% and 53% cell viability on HeLa cells at 100 µM, respectively.

Identification of cyclooxygenase-II inhibitory saponins from fenugreek wastes: Insights from liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics, molecular networking, and molecular docking.

This research explores sustainable applications for waste generated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), a plant with both nutritional and medicinal uses. The study specifically targets waste components as potential sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. The focus is to conduct detailed metabolic profiling of fenugreek waste, assess its anti-inflammatory properties by studying its cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory effect, and correlate this effect to the metabolite fingerprint. Ethanolic extracts of fenugreek fruit pericarp and a combination of leaves and stems were subjected to untargeted metabolic profiling using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry integrated with online database searches and molecular networking as an effective dereplication strategy. The study also scrutinized the COX inhibitory capabilities of these extracts and saponin-rich fractions prepared therefrom. Molecular docking was employed to investigate the specific interactions between the identified saponins and COX enzymes. The analysis led to the annotation of 81 metabolites, among which saponins were predominant. The saponin-rich fraction of the fruit pericarp extract displayed the strongest COX-II inhibitory activity in the in vitro inhibition assay (IC50 value of 81.64 ± 3.98 μg/mL). The molecular docking study supported the selectivity of the identified saponins towards COX-II. The two major identified saponins, namely, proto-yamogenin 3-O-[deoxyhexosyl (1 → 2)] [hexosyl (1 → 4)] hexoside 26-O-hexoside and trigofenoside A, were predicted to have the highest affinity to the COX-II receptor site. In the present study, we focused on the identification of COX-II inhibitory saponins in fenugreek waste through an integrated approach. The findings offer valuable insights into potential anti-inflammatory and cancer chemoprotective applications of fenugreek waste.

UPLC–QTOF-MS/MS analysis of saponin-enriched fractions from Calliandra umbellifera Benth and evaluation of antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria

The genus Calliandra, rich in diterpenes, flavonoids, tannins and saponins, has several species with medicinal use. The species Calliandra umbellifera has abundant saponins in its composition, it is a glycoside that acts in defense against insects and pathogens. Due to these properties, saponins have been described to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity. Thus, the present work aimed to isolate the saponin-rich fraction of the Calliandra umbellifera species (FRSCu) and to evaluate the antibacterial activity against standard and multidrug-resistant bacterial species. The fraction was obtained from the preparation of the ethanolic extract of the species, being characterized by chromatography, using the method ultra-efficient liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole/time of flight system (UPLC–QTOF-MS/MS). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were performed to verify the inhibition of bacterial growth for standard and multiresistant strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the evaluation of the activity when combined with the antibiotics: gentamicin, norfloxacin and ampicillin. The chemical analysis of FRSCu allowed the identification of the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, condensed tannins and saponins. The intrinsic antibacterial activity of FRSCu did not show relevant results against the bacteria used. However, it showed promising results when combined with antibiotics, enhancing the effect of gentamicin against two gram-negative strains E. coli and P. aeruginosa and also when combined with norfloxacin against P. aeruginosa. Thus, this work presents an innovative and biotechnological potential that can contribute to future pharmaceutical formulations and knowledge about the C. umbellifera species.

Extract and fraction of cashew nut testa ameliorate the hyperglycemic mice induced by Streptozotocin and high-fat diet

Drug strategy is a standard method for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), a non-communicable disease with increasing prevalence, which may cause side effects. Therefore, natural compounds with limited adverse effects have come back into vogue for treating T2D. This study aims to evaluate the effects on rehabilitating hyperglycemic mice of cashew nut testa (husk) extract and fraction known as potential bio-substances for improvement in T2D. First, the hyperglycemic mice were induced with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks and then were injected with streptozotocin (STZ, dozen for injection was 40 mg/kg/week) for 2 weeks. Next, the confirmed hyperglycemic mice were treated with pioglitazone (HG+PG group), total extract (HG+TE group), and saponin-rich fraction (HG+SRF group) for 3 weeks. Then, the evaluation was based on body mass; blood glucose (BG) level; BG tolerance, lipid profile, pancreatic histology and the expression IRS-1 in the pancreas. The results showed that body mass and BG level significantly increased in hyperglycemic mice. After substance treatment, there was no change in body mass in TE and SRF groups. However, BG level of HG+TE group mice significantly decreased compared to hyperglycemic mice and only BG tolerance of HG+SRF group was improved. Besides, HG+TE and HG+SRF groups modulated the triglyceride, HDL and LDL close to those expressed in normal mice. In addition, histological images of the pancreas revealed the restoration in both HG+TE and HG+SRF groups. Simultaneously, the IRS-1 expression in HG+TE group pancreas was restored to its expression in normal mice. These results demonstrate that the TE and SRF of cashew nut testa could ameliorate BG, lipid profile and pancreatic IRS-1 expression and restore the damaged pancreas and islets in hyperglycemic mice.

Free radical scavenging and antiproliferative evaluation of the Olax viridis Oliv. (Olacaceae) whole root

Olax viridis Oliv (Olacaceae) has numerous ethnomedicinal uses including treatment of breast cancer. The study aimed at evaluating the free radical scavenging and antiproliferative activities of O. viridis whole root and the phytoconstituents responsible for this activity. The sample was defatted using n-hexane(NHE), further extracted by cold maceration using absolute methanol to obtain crude extract which was subjected to liquid-liquid partitioning using dichloromethane to afford the dichloromethane fraction (DCM) and aqueous methanol fraction (MEF). Further precipitation of some aqueous methanol fraction (MEF) using acetone yielded saponin-rich fraction (SRF). Furthermore, acid hydrolysis of the SRF gave the sapogenin-rich fraction (ASRF). These extract/fractions: NHE, DCM.,MEF, SRF and ASRF were used for further investigation. Phytochemical screening of fractions was carried out using standard phytochemical methods. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was used for antioxidant evaluation in vitro with ascorbic acid as the reference standard for comparison while antiproliferative (AP) activity was by cell viability using yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisae) as a model organism. O. viridis whole root contains carbohydrate, cardiac glycoside, steroids, triterpenes and saponins. The fractions showed dose-dependent activities for DPPH radical scavenging activity with the trend at 1 mg/ml thus: DCM (77.53%) >ASRF(70.60%) >SRF(46.82%) >MEF(33.50%) >NHE(22.83%) and the promising fractions showed median concentration; ASRF(IC50=0.54 mg/ml) >DCM(IC50=0.55 mg/ml). All the fractions showed dose dependent antiproliferative activities ASRF(IC50=3.35 mg/ml) >SRF(IC50=5.10 mg/ml) >MEF(IC50=6.28 mg/ml) >DCM(IC50=7.44 mg/ml). Sapogenin may be responsible for the AP and antioxidant activities as ASRF which contains triterpenidal/steroidal nucleus showed a promising activity compared to other fractions. This study validated the traditional use of Olax species in the treatment of cancer.

Protective effect of flavonoid and saponin-rich fractions against renal toxicity induced by mercuric chloride in rodent model

The present study was carried out to evaluate the ameliorating potential of the flavonoid-rich fraction of Phyllanthus emblica (FRFPE) and saponin-rich fraction of Tribulus terrestris (SRFTT) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced renal toxicity in rats. Forty-two male SD rats were divided into seven different groups, namely normal control (C1), toxicity control (C2), vehicle control (C3), standard control (C4), Flavonoid rich fraction of Phyllanthus emblica (FRFPE; T1), Saponin rich fraction of Tribulus terrestris (SRFTT; T2) and FRFPE + SRFTT (T3). Serum biochemical markers and oxidative stress indicators were measured. Histopathological examination of kidney sections was also carried out. Our data revealed that BUN and creatinine levels in rats’ serum were significantly higher, whereas serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were significantly lower in the toxicity group. HgCl2 administration reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and an elevated MDA in kidney tissue when compared with the control. The treatment with FRFPE and SRFTT markedly attenuated HgCl2-induced oxidative stress in kidney. Further, oxidative stress-related alteration in biochemical markers was confirmed by histopathological changes in rats of different treatment groups. According to histopathology of the kidney, the treatment of FRFPE and SRFTT considerably reduced the damage produced by HgCl2 in rats. LC-QTOF-MS analysis of FRFPE and SRFTT showed the presence of tannins, triterpenoids, alkaloids, gallic acid, steroid derivatives, quinoline derivatives and flavonoids. According to the findings, the flavonoid-rich fraction of P. emblica and the saponin-rich fraction of T. terrestris showed an antioxidant activity and protected the rat kidney from mercury-induced oxidative damage.

Anti-Tumor Potential of Gymnema sylvestre Saponin Rich Fraction on In Vitro Breast Cancer Cell Lines and In Vivo Tumor-Bearing Mouse Models.

Gymnema sylvestre (GS) is a perennial woody vine native to tropical Asia, China, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and Australia. GS has been used as a medicinal plant with potential anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This study was conceptualized to evaluate the cytotoxicity potential of Gymnema sylvestre saponin rich fraction (GSSRF) on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468) by SRB assay. The anti-tumor activity of GSSRF was assessed in tumor-bearing Elrich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) mouse models. The anti-oxidant potential of GSSRF was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The acute toxicity of GSSRF was carried out according to OECD guideline 425. The yield of GSSRF was around 1.4% and the presence of saponin content in GSSRF was confirmed by qualitative and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of GSSRF on breast cancer cell lines were promising and found to be dose-dependent. An acute toxicity study of GSSRF was found to be safe at 2000 mg/kg body weight. GSSRF treatment has shown a significant increase in the body weight and the life span of EAC-bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the control group. In the solid tumor model, the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight per day have shown about 46.70% and 60.80% reduction in tumor weight and controlled the tumor weight until the 30th day when compared with the control group. The activity of GSSRF in both models was similar to the cisplatin, a standard anticancer agent used in the study. Together, these results open the door for detailed investigations of anti-tumor potentials of GSSRF in specific tumor models, mechanistic studies and clinical trials leading to promising novel therapeutics for cancer therapy.

Anti-urolithiatic activity of saponin rich fraction from the methanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in Wistar rats

Anti-urolithiatic activity of saponin rich fraction from the methanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in Wistar rats

Steroidal Saponins with Plant Growth Stimulation Effects; Yucca schidigera as a Commercial Source

Plant growth-stimulation bioactivity of triterpenoid saponins is well known, especially for oleanane-type compounds. Nevertheless, a few phytotoxicity bioassays performed on some steroidal saponins have shown hormesis profiles and growth stimulation on Lactuca sativa roots. The focus of the work described here was on the use of the wheat coleoptile bioassay to evaluate plant growth stimulation, and on the search for a commercially available source of active saponins by bio-guided fractionation strategy. Selected saponins were tested and a cluster analysis showed that those saponins with a sugar chain of more than five units had a hormesis profile, while saponins with growth enhancement had fewer sugar residues. Two saponins showed similar activity to the positive control, namely the phytohormone indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). As a potential source of these metabolites, a commercial extract of Yucca schidigera used as a fertilizer was selected. Bio-guided fractionation led to the identification of two fractions of defined composition and these showed stimulation values similar to the positive control. It was observed that the presence of a carbonyl group at C-12 on the aglycone skeleton led to improved activity. A saponin-rich fraction from Y. schidigera could be proposed to enhance crop quality and production.

Molecular Analysis of the Melanogenesis Inhibitory Effect of Saponins-Rich Fraction of Argania spinosa Leaves Extract.

Plant saponins are abundant and diverse natural products with a great potential for use in drug-discovery research. Here, we evaluated extracts of saponins-rich fractions of argan leaves and argan oil extraction byproducts (shell, pulp, press cake) for their effect on melanogenesis. Results show that from among the samples tested, only the saponins-rich fraction from leaves (ALS) inhibited melanin production in B16 murine melanoma (B16) cells. The mechanism of the melanogenesis inhibition was elucidated by determining the protein and mRNA expression of melanogenesis-associated enzymes tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and performing DNA microarray analysis. Results showed that 10 µg/mL ALS significantly inhibited melanogenesis in B16 cells and human epidermal melanocytes by 59% and 48%, respectively, without cytotoxicity. The effect of ALS on melanogenesis can be attributed to the decrease in TYR, TRP1, and MITF expression at the protein and mRNA levels. MITF inhibition naturally led to the downregulation of the expression of Tyr and Trp1 genes. Results of the DNA microarray analysis revealed the effect on melanogenesis-associated cAMP and Wnt signaling pathways’ genes. The results of this study suggest that ALS may be used in cosmeceuticals preparations for hyperpigmentation treatment.

Use of Saponinosomes from Ziziphus spina-christi as Anticancer Drug Carriers.

Saponins are plant glycosides with different structures and biological activities, such as anticancer effects. Ziziphus spina-christi is a plant rich in saponin, and this compound is used to treat malignant melanoma in the present study. Nanophytosomes can be used as an advantageous nanodrug delivery system for plant extracts. The aim of this work is to use the saponin-rich fraction (SRF) from Z. spina-christi and prepare SRF-loaded nanophytosomes (saponinosomes) and observe the in vitro and in vivo effects of these carriers. First, the SRF was obtained from Z. spina-christi by a solvent–solvent fractionation method. Then, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses were performed to confirm the presence of saponins in the extracted material. Subsequently, the saponinosomes were prepared by the solvent injection method (ether injection method) using a 1:1:1 ratio of lecithin/cholesterol/SRF in the mixture. Characterization of the prepared saponinosomes was performed by FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses. In addition, a UV–vis spectrophotometer was used to determine the entrapment efficiency (EE) and in vitro release of the SRF. Finally, cell cytotoxicity of the different formulations was evaluated using a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on both mouse melanoma cells (B16F10) and fibroblasts (L929). Using DLS, AFM, and FE-SEM analyses, the particle size was determined to be 58 ± 6 nm with a zeta potential of −32 ± 2 mV. The calculated EE was 85 ± 3%. The results of the in vitro release profile showed that 68.2% of the SRF was released from the saponinosome after 48 h. The results of the MTT assay showed that the SRF and saponinosomes have high toxicity on B16F10 melanoma cells, but saponinosomes showed a significant decrease in cytotoxicity on L929 fibroblast cells compared with that of the SRF. Our results indicate that the SRF from Z. spina-christi has anticancer activity, and the saponinosomes prepared in this work can control tumor growth, improve therapeutic efficacy, and reduce the side effects of saponins.

Bioactive phenolics fraction of Hedera helix L. (Common Ivy Leaf) standardized extract ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury in the mouse model through the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress

Hedera helix L. (family Araliaceae) is classified as a conventional plant used as a medicinal product in the cure and prevention of upper respiratory tract inflammation and infection due to its secretolytic and broncholytic effects. Our research was conducted to authenticate the anti-inflammatory effect of ivy leaves extract in the prevention of acute lung injury (ALI) caused by intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In-vitro antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant were evaluated, in addition to the in-vivo acute lung inflammation model induced by LPS in mice. The animals were divided into seven groups randomly (each group containing 10 mice): control negative (saline only), control positive (LPS group), standard (Dexamethasone 2 mg/kg), ethanolic ivy leaves extract (EIE, 100 mg/kg), ethanolic ivy leaves extract (EIE, 200 mg/kg), saponin rich fraction (SRF, 100 mg/kg) and phenolic rich fraction (PRF, 100 mg/kg). Right lungs were homogenized to determine the levels of SOD, MDA, catalase, IL-10, TNF-α, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, and MPO. Left lungs were excised for histopathology and histomorphometry. Immunohistochemistry of Cox-2 and TNF-α levels were measured. Additionally, Western blotting was used to determine the levels of phosphorylated MAPK. Also, the ethanolic extract was also standardized through HPLC analysis for its content of rutin.The data showed that the oral supplementation with EIE, 200 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the pro-inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by LPS. Interestingly, the phenolics showed promising activity, therefore they are responsible for the action. In conclusion, the standardized ivy leaf extract could be advised for acute lung injury for its antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Evaluation of immunological adjuvant activities of saponin rich fraction from the fruits of Asparagus adscendens Roxb. with less adverse reactions

The hemolytic activity, in vitro as well as in vivo toxicity, and immunomodulatory potential of saponins-rich fraction of Asparagus adscendens Roxb. fruit (AA-SRF) have been assessed in this study in order to explore AA-SRF as an alternative safer adjuvant to standard Quil-A saponin. The AA-SRF showed lower hemolytic activity (HD50 = 301.01 ± 1.63 µg/ml) than Quil-A (HD50 = 17.15 ± 2.12 µg/ml). The sulforhodamine B assay also revealed that AA-SRF was less toxic to VERO cells (IC50≥200 ± 4.32 µg/ml) than Quil-A (IC50 = 60 ± 2.78 µg/ml). The AA-SRF did not lead to mortality in mice up to 1.6 mg and was much safer than Quil-A for in vivo use. Conversely, mice were subcutaneously immunized with OVA 100 μg alone or along with Alum (200 μg) or Quil-A (10 μg) or AA-SRF (50 μg/100 μg/200 μg) on days 0 and 14. The AA-SRF at 100 μg dose best supported the LPS/Con A primed splenocyte proliferation activity, elevated the serum OVA-specific total IgG antibody, IL-12, CD4 titer and upsurged CD3/CD19 expression in spleen as well as lymph node sections which in turn advocated its adjuvant potential. Thus, AA-SRF can be further studied for use as a safe alternative adjuvant in vaccines.

Dereplication of Bioactive Spirostane Saponins from Agave macroacantha.

A dereplication strategy using UPLC-QTOF/MSE, the HMAI method, and NMR spectroscopy led to the identification of five main steroidal saponins (1–5), including three previously unknown compounds named macroacanthosides A–C (3–5), in a bioactive fraction of Agave macroacantha. The major saponins were isolated, and some of them together with the saponin-rich fraction were then evaluated for phytotoxicity on a standard target species, Lactuca sativa. The inhibition values exhibited by the pure compounds were confirmed to be in agreement with the phytotoxicity of the saponin-rich fraction, which suggests that the saponin fraction could be applied successfully as an agrochemical without undergoing any further costly and/or time-consuming purification processes. The NMR data of the pure compounds as well as of those corresponding to the same compounds in the fraction were comparable, which indicated that the main saponins could be identified by means of this replication workflow and that no standards are required.

A characterized saponin-rich fraction of Momordica charantia shows antidiabetic activity in C57BLK/6 mice fed a high fat diet

BackgroundDiabetes is a complex and widespread disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnoses continue to climb throughout the world. Traditional herbal medicine is used for many health conditions, and Momordica charantia is the most commonly used plant around the world in treating diabetes. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the well-established hypoglycemic activity of M. charantia is due to the saponin-induced stimulation of insulin secretion, resulting in normalization of glucose metabolism. In addition, we investigate whether saponins support the proliferation of pancreatic β-cells.Study Design and Methods: To test this, C57BLK/6 mice were fed a low or high fat diet. Either a crude extract or saponin rich fraction (SRF) of M. charantia or vehicle was orally administered daily for 4 weeks. ResultsThe SRF lowered fasting glucose concentrations, and both the crude extract and SRF improved glucose tolerance. The SRF did not impact β-cell mass, when compared to other treatment groups. ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study suggests that saponins are responsible for all, or part, of the hypoglycemic effect and insulin secretory activity reported in M. charantia fruit.

In Silico Anticancer activity and Caspase targeted study of Saponin rich fraction extracted from Caralluma fimbriata (Wall).

Caralluma fimbriata (Wall.) (Asclepiadaceae), is mentioned as vegetable in Indian Materia Medica and an affluent resource of saponins. It is reported in conventional medicine method of India as well as Arabia that C. fimbriata was extensively used for cancer treatment. Current study was planned to assess anticancer potential of saponin rich fraction from C. fimbriata using in silico and in vitro assays. Caratubersides A-G, a pregnane glycosides found in C. fimbriata were taken for in silico examination and processed through PASS Online software for the prediction of structure dependent pharmacological actions. Docking was carried out using Autodock Tool and Autodock Vina, revealed antineoplastic action of caratubersides along with apoptogenic potential. MTT assay was performed on MCF-7 cell line. Shell less chicken embryo culture assay was done for anti-angiogenic properties at different concentrations (1.5µg/ml, 3µg/ml, and 6µg/ml). Chromosomal aberrations assay was carried out in cultured human blood. And apoptogenic potential was estimated on MCF-7 cells using cleaved caspases 3 and caspase 8 cell based ELISA assay kit. Results of study showed that IC50 of saponin rich fraction of C. fimbriata was at 3μg/mL. Considerable (p &lt;0.05) decreases were observed in angiogenic properties. Insignificant chromosomal aberrations were found in normal cells. Treatment of saponin rich part improved levels of caspases 3 as well as caspase 8 (ODs 1.35 and 1.68 respectively). From the study, saponin rich portion obtained from C. fimbriata displayed antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic actions along with apoptogenic prospective and no significant chromosomal aberrations were found in normal human cells.

IMXQB-80: A Quillaja brasiliensis saponin-based nanoadjuvant enhances Zika virus specific immune responses in mice

Vaccine adjuvants are compounds that enhance/prolong the immune response to a co-administered antigen. Saponins have been widely used as adjuvants for many years in several vaccines – especially for intracellular pathogens – including the recent and somewhat revolutionary malaria and shingles vaccines. In view of the immunoadjuvant potential of Q. brasiliensis saponins, the present study aimed to characterize the QB-80 saponin-rich fraction and a nanoadjuvant prepared with QB-80 and lipids (IMXQB-80). In addition, the performance of such adjuvants was examined in experimental inactivated vaccines against Zika virus (ZIKV). Analysis of QB-80 by DI-ESI-ToF by negative ion electrospray revealed over 29 saponins that could be assigned to known structures existing in their congener Q. saponaria, including the well-studied QS-21 and QS-7. The QB-80 saponins were a micrOTOF able to self-assembly with lipids in ISCOM-like nanoparticles with diameters of approximately 43 nm, here named IMXQB-80. Toxicity assays revealed that QB-80 saponins did present some haemolytical and cytotoxic potentials; however, these were abrogated in IMXQB-80 nanoparticles. Regarding the adjuvant activity, QB-80 and IMXQB-80 significantly enhanced serum levels of anti-Zika virus IgG and subtypes (IgG1, IgG2b, IgG2c) as well as neutralized antibodies when compared to an unadjuvanted vaccine. Furthermore, the nanoadjuvant IMXQB-80 was as effective as QB-80 in stimulating immune responses, yet requiring fourfold less saponins to induce the equivalent stimuli, and with less toxicity. These findings reveal that the saponin fraction QB-80, and particularly the IMXQB-80 nanoadjuvant, are safe and capable of potentializing immune responses when used as adjuvants in experimental ZIKV vaccines.

Hepato protective activity of ethanolic and saponin rich butanol fraction of Tribulus terrestris fruit in TCDD induced albino rats - Genetic and Antioxidant approach

Hepato protective activity of ethanolic and saponin rich butanol fraction of Tribulus terrestris fruit in TCDD induced albino rats - Genetic and Antioxidant approach

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of saponin-rich fraction from leaves of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of saponin-rich fraction from leaves of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides

ACUTE TOXICITY AND ANTINOCICEPTIVE ACTIVITY OF SAPONINS RICH FRACTION OF DIOSCOREA DELTOIDEA (WALL)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the saponins rich fraction of Dioscorea deltoidea (D. deltoidea) for possible antinociceptive activity. METHODS: Saponins were extracted from the crude methanolic extract of D. deltoidea (Wall). Presence of saponins was confirmed through phytochemical screenings. Acute toxicity test was performed to determine safe dose range of the saponins rich fraction (n-butanol fraction) using balb C Mice. The saponins rich fraction was assessed for possible antinociceptive activity using acetic acid induced writhing method and hot plate method. Data was analyzed using Graph Pad Prism 6. ANOVA was used to determine the significance of test samples versus positive control at 95% CI with p<0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that crude saponin rich fraction was safe up to test dose of 1000 mg/kg administered orally. In acetic acid induced writhing method, its test samples in doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg showed respectively 75.51% and 85.71% inhibition of writhing, while diclofenac sodium showed 74.4% inhibition of writhing. Percent inhibition of latency time of test samples increased from 87.87% to 133.6% in test doses of 10 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg dose, respectively, while Tramadol showed latency time of 85.12% within 30 minutes of its administration.CONCLUSION: Saponins rich n-butanol fraction of Dioscorea deltoidea (D.deltoidea) showed significant antinociceptive activity.