Saponins Research Articles

Therapeutic deep eutectic solvent with saponin, optimized through response surface methodology, exert potent in vivo antimicrobial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Therapeutic deep eutectic solvents (THEDES) are a type of deep eutectics that can be used as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by enhancing the drug bioavailability, by increasing the solubility of APIs in aqueous solutions or by increasing their permeability through biological barriers. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of designer THEDES, based on Quillaja Saponin (SAP), a triterpene natural product to unravel the antimicrobial potential of such THEDES. THEDES were prepared by gently mixing and heating five different α- hydroxy acids- malic, citric, tartaric, glycolic, lactic acids and SAP with water as a third component in the THEDES. The antimicrobial assays were performed with the as-prepared SAP-THEDES and among the panel of bacterial strains, saponin-malic acid THEDES [SMA-THEDES] displayed potent activity in disassembling PA biofilms, demonstrating that the SMA-THEDES can serve as therapeutic antibacterial biomaterials. To further optimize, a Box-Behnken- response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design was done and at the optimum conditions of SAP (1.014 m.mol), Malic acid (1.003 m.mol), Water (0.117 m.mol), SMA-THEDES exhibited maximum MIC of P. aeruginosa with the minimum absorbance at 590 nm of 0.105. The effectiveness of SMA-THEDES as antibiofilm agents on P. aeruginosa with the mechanism studies have been explored. The colony count from the in vivo infection zebrafish model in the treatment group showed a decline of > 2 fold for SMA-THEDES. Toxicity studies did not reveal any abnormality in liver and brain enzyme levels. Liver morphology images show no severe cytological alterations when treated with SMA-THEDES and were almost similar to the normal liver.

Exploring the Correlation Between Salt Tolerance and Seed Nutritional Value of Different Quinoa Genotypes Grown Under Saharan Climatic Conditions.

Quinoa is an annual pseudocereal highly adapted to extreme environments and has become, at this point in time, an extremely popular food due to its exceptional and high nutritional quality. This study aims to investigate the association of quinoa salt tolerance at an early developmental stage with its grain nutritional value under the effect of severe climatic hurdles. The current findings revealed a significant variability between genotypes in salt response attributes at the first development stage, where genotypes Amarilla Sacaca (thereafter, A. Sacaca) and QQ57 exhibited high salt tolerance thresholds with a low salt sensitivity index (SI), and a high capacity for Na+ sequestration into vacuoles. A significant positive association was detected between salt tolerance degree and yield parameters, saponins (SAPs), and minerals contents, where genotype A. Sacaca exhibited the highest SAP content with 3.84 mg.g-1 and the highest amounts of K, Ca, P, and Fe. The analysis of fatty acid composition demonstrated a high significant negative correlation between crude fat content and salt SI, and between yield parameters. Despite its low harvest index (HI) and low seed oil content, the salt-tolerant genotype A. Sacaca showed a high nutritional quality for seed oil according to its lowest ω6/ω3 ratio (5.6/1) and lowest level of atherogenicity index (AI). The genotype 115R, defined as the most sensitive to salt stress, exhibited a high seed oil quality due to its low lipid peroxidation susceptibility as reflected by its oxidative susceptibility and peroxidizability indexes. The significance of this study includes the identification of valuable quinoa genotypes showing high efficiency in growth and yield under severe stress accompanied by a high nutritional value satisfying the market requirements for healthy, nutritious, and safe food products.

Investigating the involvement of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 and NF-κb/MAPK pathways in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis: Insights from irradiated and non-irradiated Trifolium alexandrium L. extracts and some metabolites

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTrifolium alexandrinum L. (TA), has traditionally been used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties against hyperuricemia and gout. However, the specific mechanisms of action of TA have not been thoroughly studied. Aim of the workThis study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of irradiated (TR25) and non-irradiated (TR0) Trifolium alexandrinum L. aqueous extract (TAAE), along with two isolated compounds, caffeine (CAF) and saponin (SAP), in a rat model of acute gouty arthritis (GA). Materials and methodsThe GA model was established by injecting a monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the knee joint. Synovial tissue pathology was assessed, and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, NF-κB, mTOR, AKT1, PI3K, NLRP3, and ASC were measured by ELISA. mRNA expression of ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK was detected using qRT-PCR, and Caspase-1 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Knee swelling, uric acid levels, liver and kidney function, and oxidative stress markers were also evaluated. ResultsTAAE analysis identified 170 compounds, with 73 successfully identified using LC-HR-MS/MS, including caffeine citrate and theasapogenol B glycoside as the main constituents. The studied materials demonstrated significant protective effects against GA. TR25 administration significantly mitigated knee joint circumference compared to other treatments. It demonstrated potential in alleviating hyperuricemia, renal and hepatic impairments induced by MSU crystals. TR25 also alleviated oxidative stress and reduced levels of IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. Weak Caspase-1 immune-positive staining was observed in the TR25 group. TR25 decreased NLRP3 and ASC expression, reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in GA. It effectively inhibited the PI3K, AKT, and mTOR signaling pathways, promoting autophagy. Additionally, TR25 suppressed ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK gene expression in synovial tissue. These effects were attributed to various components in TAAE, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, and triterpenes. ConclusionImportantly, irradiation (25 KGy) enhanced the antioxidant effects and phtchemical contents of TAAE. Additionally, TR0, TR25, CAF, and SAP exhibited promising protective effects against GA, suggesting their therapeutic potential for managing this condition. These effects were likely mediated through modulation of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 and ERK/JNK/p-38 MAPK signaling pathways, as well as regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize their clinical applications.

Extraction of phosphorus from sewage sludge ash by electrodialysis combined with wet-chemical extraction

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) recovery from sewage sludge ash (SSA) is considered to be an effective method for P recovery. In this work, P extraction and the removal of heavy metals were realized by electrodialysis. Low-cost, easily available, and environmentally friendly plant extracts were applied as suspension to reduce the inevitable secondary pollution. And the feasibility of using plant extracts was analysed by comparing with using deionized water (DI) and oxalic acid (OA) solution. When SSA was suspended in different solutions (DI, OA, and three plant extracts – Hovenia acerba (HA), Saponin (SA) and Portulaca oleracea (PO)), the effects of reaction time and plant extract concentration on P extraction and heavy metal separation of SSA under ED treatment were compared. After the process of electrodialysis, compared to other experimental groups, electrodialysis with plant extracts obtained more P released from SSA, but less P migrated to the anode chamber. However, when SSA was suspended in PO at a concentration of 80 g/L, the proportion of P transferred from SSA to the anode chamber can still reached 37.86%. In addition, the use of plant extracts as suspension had a positive effect on the removal of heavy metals, but its effect was lower than that of the oxalic acid-treated experimental group. The results indicated that the use of plant extracts for wet-chemical extraction combined with electrodialysis promoted the removal of heavy metals and the extraction of P from SSA, which is a feasible option.

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.

Combination effects of phytonutrient pellet and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) powder on rumen fermentation efficiency and nutrient degradability using in vitro technique.

Phytonutrients (PTN) namely saponins (SP) and condensed tannins (CT) have been demonstrated to assess the effect of rumen fermentation and methane mitigation. Phytonutrient pellet containing mangosteen, rambutan, and banana flower (MARABAC) and lemongrass including PTN, hence these plant-phytonutrients supplementation could be an alternative plant with a positive effect on rumen fermentation. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of MARABAC and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) powder on in vitro fermentation modulation and the ability to mitigate methane production. The treatments were arranged according to a 3 × 3 Factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The two experimental factors consisted of MARABAC pellet levels (0%, 1%, and 2% of the total substrate) and lemongrass supplementation levels (0%, 1%, and 2% of the total substrate). The results of this study revealed that supplementation with MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder significantly improved gas production kinetics (P < 0.01) and rumen fermentation end-products especially the propionate production (P < 0.01). While rumen methane production was subsequently reduced by both factors. Additionally, the in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and organic matter degradability (IVOMD) were greatly improved (P < 0.05) by the respective treatments. MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder combination showed effective methane mitigation by enhancing rumen fermentation end-products especially the propionate concentration and both the IVDMD and IVOMD, while mitigated methane production. The combined level of both sources at 2% MARABAC pellet and 2% lemongrass powder of total substrates offered the best results. Therefore, MARABAC pellet and lemongrass powder supplementation could be used as an alternative source of phytonutrient in dietary ruminant.

Comparison of the protective effects of insulin and saponin on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Introduction: Oxidative stress induced by renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is an effective element in the pathophysiologic renal alterations generated during IR injury. This investigation intended to study the effects of saponin (SP) and insulin (INS) in kidney IR injury. Methods: Wistar male rats were assigned into four groups: the control, IR, SP + IR, and INS + IR. The rats were nephrectomized unilaterally and went under 45 minutes ischemia followed by 24-hour reperfusion. SP (2.5 mg/kg) and INS (30 U/kg) were intraperitoneally injected prior to ischemia. Following the treatment, a blood sample was taken for the measurement of biochemical parameters, and the left kidney was taken out for the determination of oxidative stress markers and histological changes. Results: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and histopathological scores significantly increased by kidney IR while antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased. However, the administration of SP and INS significantly decreased BUN, Cr, MDA, and histological scores and improved the antioxidant defense system. Conclusion: SP and INS exert nephroprotective effects against oxidative damage caused by IR. It seems that SP has a renoprotection similar to INS in renal IR.

Amelioration of experimental hyperlipidemia in rats by Portulaca oleracea Linn from Kashmir Himalaya

BackgroundTraditionally, Portulaca oleracea Linn. treats abscesses and dysentery as well as liver disease. Additionally, recent studies have reported its effectiveness as a neuroprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and curative, in addition to its pharmacological effects. Aim and ObjectiveTo assess the phytochemical constituents quantitatively & qualitatively and lipid-lowering potential of different extracts of Portulaca oleracea L. from Kashmir Himalaya. Methods: Portulaca oleracea L. was extracted with chloroform, methanol, and aqueous solvents. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening was carried and antihyperlipidemic activity was evaluated in experimental hyperlipidemic rats fed with cholesterol in coconut oil for 14 days. ResultsChloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, sapon ins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, proteins, and carbohydrates. Quantitatively the dried plant powder contains alkaloids 0.72 g%, saponins 1.0 g%, phenolics 1.09 g%, tannins 0.91 g%, carbohydrates 0.53 g%, proteins 0.25 g% and lipids 0.87 g%. The aqueous extract was found to decrease the plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very lowdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and significantly elevated the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels as compared to methanol and chloroform extracts against cholesterol-induced hyperlipidemic rats. ConclusionsThe results reveal that the Portulaca oleracea L. from the Kashmir region possesses alkaloids, saponins, phenolics, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea L. at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight possess highly significant antihyperlipidemic action than methanolic and chloroform extracts at similar doses.

Saponin protects against cyclophosphamide-induced kidney and liver damage via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

The liver and kidney are organs affected by chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide (CP). This study examined the protective effects of treatment with saponin (SP) against CP-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. 24 adult male mice were divided into four groups (N = 6): Control group, CP (15 mg kg-1), SP (2.5 mg kg-1) and CP + SP. After treatment, blood samples were collected for the determination of biochemical parameters. Liver and kidney samples were taken for histological analysis and assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Cyclophosphamide decreased renal and liver functions and antioxidant enzymes, which significantly increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine (BUN, Cr), liver enzyme levels, malondialdehyde, nuclear factor kappa β (NF-kB) and Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1B) concentrations. Moreover, histopathological findings of the CP group showed that there were acute tubular necrosis and glomerular atrophy in the renal tissues and lymphocyte infiltration in the liver samples. Treatment with saponin improved hepatic and renal functions, pathological changes and antioxidant capacity, and also decreased lipid peroxidation and inflammation. It seems that saponin could exert a hepato-nephroprotective effect against cyclophosphamide toxicity.

Removal of mixed contaminants from landfill leachate-contaminated soil by flushing with bio-surfactant: laboratory column tests.

Landfill leachate-contaminated soil is widespread all over the world. In order to study the removal of mixed contaminants from landfill leachate-contaminated soil by flushing with bio-surfactant, soil column test was conducted to select an optimum concentration of bio-surfactant saponin (SAP) at first. Then, the removal efficiencies of organic contaminants, ammonia nitrogen, and heavy metals from landfill leachate-contaminated soil by flushing with SAP were studied. At last, the toxicity of contaminated soil before and after flushing was estimated by sequential extraction of heavy metals and plant growth test. The test results showed that the SAP solution with the concentration of 2.5 CMC could effectively remove the mixed contaminants from soil and would not introduce excessive pollutants of SAP in soil. Specifically, the removal efficiencies of organic contaminant and ammonia nitrogen were 47.01% and 90.42%, respectively. And the removal efficiencies of Cu, Zn, and Cd were 29.42%, 22.55%, and 17.68%, respectively. During flushing, hydrophobic organic compounds as well as physisorption and ion-exchange ammonia nitrogen in soil were removed by the solubilization effect of SAP, and heavy metals were removed by the chelation of SAP. After flushing with SAP, the reduced partition index (IR) value of Cu and Cd increased, and the mobility index (MF) value of Cu decreased. In addition, flushing with SAP reduced the plant toxicity of contaminated soil, and the residual SAP in soil promoted the plant growth. Therefore, flushing with SAP offered great potentials in remediating the landfill leachate-contaminated soil.

The Use of an Adjuvant System Improves Innate and Adaptive Immune Response When Associated with a Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Antigen in a Vaccine Candidate against L. (Leishmania) infantum Infection.

The adjuvants' optimal dose and the administration route can directly influence the epitope recognition patterns and profiles of innate response. We aimed to establish the effect and the optimal dose of adjuvant systems for proposing a vaccine candidate to be employed with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. We evaluated the adjuvants saponin (SAP), monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and resiquimod (R-848) isolated and combined as adjuvant systems in a lower dose corresponding to 25%, 33%, and 50% of each adjuvant total dose. Male outbred BALB/c mice were divided into 13 groups, SAP, MPL, and R-848 isolated, and the adjuvant systems SAP plus MPL (SM), SAP plus R-848 (SR), and MPL plus R-848 (MR). SM50 increased levels of all chemokines analyzed and TNF production, while it presented an increased inflammatory cell infiltrate in the skin with macrophage recruitment. Thus, we proposed a vaccine candidate employing L. (V.) braziliensis antigen associated with the SM adjuvant system against experimental L. (Leishmania) infantum challenge. We observed a significant increase in the frequency of cells expressing the central and effector memory CD4+ T cells phenotype in immunized mice with the LBSM50. In the liver, there was a decreased parasite load when mice received LBSM50. When combined with L. (V.) braziliensis antigen, SM50 increases TNF and IFN-γ, which generates central and effector memory CD4+ T cells. Therefore, using an adjuvant system can promote an effective innate immune response with the potential to compose future vaccines.

Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Sapindus rarak DC fruit pericarp extract for rhodamine B photodegradation

Zinc oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were successfully synthesized via a green synthesis route by using Sapindus rarak DC fruit aqueous extract (SFE). In addition, a comparative evaluation of ZnO NPs synthesis was conducted using isolated saponins (SN) obtained from SFE. This was performed to observe the role of saponins in the synthesis of ZnO NPs as they could act as a capping agent as well as control the morphology and size of the particles. In this work, various concentrations of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) were used in the ZnO NPs synthesis with the presence of SN. This was conducted with the aim to understand the effects of hydroxide ions addition to the resulted products of the synthesis. The samples were characterized using XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), UV–vis DRS (UV–vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy), and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). The results show that the ZnO NPs with smaller and more faceted particles were obtained for those synthesized using SFE as compared with the ones synthesized using SN and with the addition of NH4OH. The ZnO NPs synthesized using SFE exhibited the best performance photocatalyst for the degradation of Rhodamine B up to 99.7% with 120 min of reaction time.

Utility of the combination of hederagenin glucoside saponins and chromane hydrazone in the topical treatment of canine cutaneous leishmaniasis. An observational study.

Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis (CCL) is an emerging zoonotic infection endemic in several countries of the world. Due to variable response to therapy and frequency of relapses, a more effective, safer, and inexpensive treatment is needed. Recently, it was reported that the hederagenin glucoside saponins (SS) and chromane-derived hydrazone (TC2) combined in a 1:1 ratio has high potential in antileishmanial therapy since both compounds alter the survival of Leishmania and the ability to infect adjacent macrophage. Not only the skin permeation and the absorption of an ointment containing 2% TC2 and 2% SS (w/w) was determined in this work, but also the acute dermal toxicity in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Last, the effectiveness and safety of the topical therapy with 2% TC2-2% SS ointment was evaluated in an observational study in dogs with diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Both TC2 and SS diffused through pig ear skin and traces of TC2 (but not SS) were detected in the stratum corneum of mice at 6-24h. Neither TC2 nor SS was detected in plasma. The acute dermal toxicity was negative. Treatment with 2% TC2-2% SS ointment produced a complete long-term clinical cure in 56 dogs (24 females and 32 males) from the Orinoco and Amazonas regions in southeastern Colombia without adverse effects. All dogs have remained disease-free for the last 24months. In conclusion, these results support the use of this topical therapy as a safer and new first-line local treatment of CCL that could help limit the spread of CL from dogs to humans.

Protective effect of saponin on sperm DNA fragmentation of mice treated with cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a common chemotherapy drug with the testicular damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of saponin (SP) on the toxicity of CP in the male reproductive system. Following an experimental pilot study for determining SP dose, 40male mice (32±3g) were divided into five groups (n=8): control, sham (normal saline 0.2ml/day), CP (15mg/kg/week, intraperitoneally), SP (2.5mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) and saponin group with cyclophosphamide (SP+CP). After treatment, the left testes were removed for the measurement of malonedialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, and sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed by SDFA kit. In the CP group, a significant decrease in motility, viability, count, normal morphology and DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa and TAC was observed, while in MDA level, a significant increase was observed compared with the control group (p<0.05). Attenuated sperm parameters in CP group improved significantly in SP+CP group (p<0.05). According to the findings of this study, SP was able to alter the reproductive toxicity of CP in NMRI mice and increase the antioxidant capacity of the testis.

Revealing The Motifs, Properties, and Phylogeny of Lupeol Synthase Using Bioinformatics Approach

Lupane-type triterpenoid saponins are potent plants’ secondary metabolites for drug development as they showed various activities such as anticancer, Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA) activator which is very important for neurons, and antileishmanial. The triterpenoid saponin backbone is produced by cyclization and rearrangement of the 2,3-oxidosqualene precursor by the oxidosqualene cyclase. The type of oxidosqualene cyclase involved determines the type of saponins so it is referred to as a key enzyme. Lupane-type saponins are produced by 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclization through the chair-chair-chair conformation and the formation of various cation intermediates. This study aimed to analyze lupeol synthase, the key enzyme which determines the conversion of 2,3-oxidosqualene into lupane-type saponins. This in silico project was done using bioinformatics programs including Multiple Em for Motif Elicitation (MEME), ProtParam, and Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis (MEGA-X) for relationship analysis. The amino acid sequences analysis using the MEME program showed that lupeol synthase has QW, DCTAE, and CYCR conserved motifs in the oxidosqualene cyclase family even though some evolutions were also present. Analysis of chemical and physical parameters with ProtParam indicated that lupeol synthase had lower stability than lanosterol synthase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The phylogenetic tree showed that lupeol synthase was closely related to other plant oxidosqualene cyclases. The results of this study are expected to support the modification strategy determination to increase the production of lupane-type saponins using a biotechnological approach in the pharmaceutical industry.

Potential antioxidant and hypoglycaemic effect of the flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (Nyctaginaceae)

The study evaluated the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic potentials of the ethanol flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis . Flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis were obtained by cold maceration method. The preliminary phytochemical screening and hypoglycaemic effect were carried out using standard methods. Antioxidant screening was carried out using DPPH antioxidant assay test. Five rats were used for each group; normal control, standard control, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. doses of the crude ethanol flower extract of B. spectabilis to test the hypoglycaemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were measured at different time intervals. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, strerols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. The crude ethanol fraction demonstrated least antioxidant activity while the chloroform fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity followed by the hexane fraction. The ethanol flower extract showed a significant dose dependent hypoglyceamic effect after 24 hours of administration. Of the doses tested, highest hypoglycaemic effect was observed by the ethanol flower extract of the dose 400 mg/kg at 24 hours. The findings revealed that non-polar fractions have more antioxidant activity than the polar fractions while the ethanol flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis possesses a delayed hypoglycaemic effect.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical characterization of Maerua angolensis DC.

Maerua angolensis DC is a medicinal plant widely used in ethnomedicine in northern Nigeria. It is used to treat disease conditions like skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases, peptic ulcers and wounds amongst others. The plant is well known in Fulani Fulfude as leggal baali (or leggal mbaali). The plant was subjected to pharmacognostic and physicochemical characterization to establish standard profiles for authentication of the plant which could be useful for further study on the plant. The chromatographic (TLC and HPLC) and phytochemical profiles were conducted along with the leaf microscopy and chemomicroscopy, using standard methods. The result established the chromatographic profile of the leaf extract. The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. The chemomicroscopy revealed the presence of lignin, cellulose, tannin, starch and oil, while mucilage and protein were not seen. The total ash content and moisture content were 12.1 and 7.0%, respectively and were within WHO limits. Extracts of the plant showed high hygroscopic character. The result provides good information for the authentication and use of the plant in further research and development. Key words: Maerua angolensis, pharmacognostic character; phytochemicals, chromatographic profile.

Determination of Saponins in Leaves of Four Swiss Chard (&lt;i&gt;Beta vulgaris&lt;/i&gt; L.) Cultivars by UHPLC-CAD/QTOF-MS/MS

Determination of Saponins in Leaves of Four Swiss Chard (&lt;i&gt;Beta vulgaris&lt;/i&gt; L.) Cultivars by UHPLC-CAD/QTOF-MS/MS

Atividades biológicas de Agave sisalana com ênfase para a ação antimicrobiana: uma revisão da literatura

Objetivo: Relatar as principais atividades biológicas de Agave sisalana, descrevendo detalhes de sua classificação botânica, aspectos da composição química e bioativa, além de destacar seu uso como antimicrobiano. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura de caráter descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, elaborada por meio da análise de materiais indexados nas plataformas: SciELO, PubMed e o portal de periódicos da CAPES, publicados entre os anos de 2002 a 2021, redigidos nos idiomas: português, inglês e espanhol. Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, bem como leitura dos materiais, 38 conteúdos foram selecionados para a composição do presente estudo. Resultados e discussão: A atividade bioativa de Agave sisalana, está vinculada aos componentes do seu metabolismo secundário, onde podem ser mensurados: derivados alcaloides, cumarinas, taninos e saponínicos. No que se refere as saponinas do sisal, estas são apontadas como detentoras de ação antifúngica e antibacteriana, principalmente contra microrganismos patogênicos. Além das atribuições mencionadas, os estudos vêm mostrando seus efeitos como: inseticida, larvicida, ovicida, antiparasitário, antioxidante, imunomodulador, analgésico, anti-inflamatório, sob a atividade comportamental e neuroquímica, bem como na quimioprevenção e controle do câncer. Conclusão: Variadas são as aplicações da Agave sisalana, seja ao âmbito industrial, artesanal terapêutico ou na agropecuária. Sua atividade antimicrobiana é cientificamente comprovada, seja na inferência de fungos ou bactérias, fazendo desta uma importante alternativa, frente a incidência de microrganismos resistentes.

ẢNH HƯỞNG CỦA DỊCH TRÍCH CÂY TỪ BI (BLUMÉA BALSAMIFERA) LÊN SỰ ỨC CHẾ HÌNH THÀNH TINH THỂ CALCIUM OXALATE GÂY BỆNH SỎI THẬN TRONG ĐIỀU KIỆN IN VITRO

Nghiên cứu “Ảnh hưởng của dịch trích cây Từ bi (Bluméa balsamifera) lên sự ức chế hình thành tinh thể Calcium oxalate gây bệnh sỏi thận trong điều kiện in vitro” được thực hiện để đánh giá khả năng ức chế tinh thể Calcium oxalate, gồm ba giai đoạn chính là hình thành, phát triển, và ngưng tụ. Mẫu cây Từ bi được ly trích bằng phương pháp ngâm dầm với ethanol 80,00% để tạo cao chiết. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy, độ ẩm của mẫu đạt 82,83%, và hiệu suất cao chiết đạt 5,79%. Cao chiết cây Từ bi có sự hiện diện của các hợp chất flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, terpenoid, tanin, và phenol. Cao chiết cây Từ bi có khả năng ức chế hình thành hạt nhân tinh thể Calcium oxalate với giá trị IC50 là 4,25 mg/mL. Cao chiết cây Từ bi có hiệu quả ức chế sự phát triển của tinh thể Calcium oxalate và giá trị IC50 của cao chiết đạt 2,99 mg/mL. Cuối cùng, cao chiết là cây Từ bi có khả năng ức chế ngưng tụ của tinh thể Calcium oxalate và giá trị IC50 đạt 2,56 mg/mL.