Senega Research Articles

New biofunctional effects of oleanane-type triterpene saponins.

In the current review, we describe the novel biofunctional effects of oleanane-type triterpene saponins, including elatosides, momordins, senegasaponins, camelliasaponins, and escins, obtained from Aralia elata (bark, root cortex, young shoot), Kochia scoparia (fruit), Polygala senega var. latifolia (roots), Camellia japonica (seeds), and Aesculus hippocastanum (seeds), considering the following biofunctional activities: (1) inhibitory effects on elevated levels of blood alcohol and glucose in alcohol and glucose-loaded rats, respectively, (2) inhibitory effects on gastric emptying in rats and mice, (3) accelerative effects on gastrointestinal transit in mice, and (4) protective effects against gastric mucosal lesions in rats. In addition, we describe (5) suppressive effects of the extract and chakasaponins from Camellia sinensis (flower buds) on obesity based on inhibition of food intake in mice. The active saponins were classified into the following three types: (1) olean-12-en-28-oic acid 3-O-monodesmoside, (2) olean-12-ene 3,28-O-acylated bisdesmoside, and (3) acylated polyhydroxyolean-12-ene 3-O-monodesmoside. Furthermore, common modes of action, such as involvements of capsaicin-sensitive nerves, endogenous NO and PGs, and possibly sympathetic nerves, as well as common structural requirements, were observed. Based on our findings, a common mechanism of action might mediate the pharmacological effects of active saponins. It should be noted that the gastrointestinal tract is an important action site of saponins, and the role of the saponins in the gastrointestinal tract should be carefully considered.

Preparation of Tenuifolin from Polygala senega L. Root Using a Hydrolytic Continuous Flow System under High-Temperature, High-Pressure Conditions.

An improved process for preparing tenuifolin (presenegenin 3-β-d-glucopyranoside) from the root of Polygala senega L. was developed. A crude saponin mixture extracted from P. senega was subjected to hydrolysis, and the reactivity of compounds in the extract was controlled by utilizing the combination of a flow reactor and experimental design. In addition, column chromatography with HP 20, a synthetic polystyrenic adsorbent, allowed the gram-scale preparation of tenuifolin in a continuous manner with fewer steps. This approach shortens the total time required for gram-scale preparation from 16 to 5 h in a continuous manner while improving the yield from 0.59% to 2.08% (w/w).

Polygala pubescens Muhl. (Polygalaceae) as a replacement name for P. senega L. var. rosea Michx

Polygala pubescens Muhl., often treated as an invalid name (as nomen nudum), is here considered validly published and the legitimate name for Polygala senega L. var. rosea Michx. Establishment of the validity of P. pubescens Muhl. (1813), a taxonomic synonym of Asemeia grandiflora (Walter) Small, makes P. pubescens Mart. (1815) a taxonomic synonym of P. erioptera DC. (1824), a later homonym. Muhlenberg’s names published in two editions of his Catalogus Plantarum Americae Septentrionalis (1813, 1818) are analyzed and discussed. A lectotype for Polygala pubescens Rottler ex Mart. is here designated.

Pharmacognostic studies of polygala senega L. Root: A homoeopathic drug

Background: Polygala senega L. is a small perennial herb belonging to the family Polygalaceae. The roots are used as stimulant and expectorant in bronchitis. In Homoeopathy, it is used for hypopyon, paresis of oculomotor nerve, catarrh of pharynx, sore throat, catarrh of bladder, influenza, asthma, whooping cough, soreness in chest, pleurisy, pneumonia, hydrothorax, pleuropneumonia, pneumonia, hydrothorax and ascites. Objective: The objective of the present study deals with morpho-anatomical, powder and physicochemical characteristics of the root of P. senega for developing standards for authentication of drug. Materials and Methods: The current study includes morpho-anatomical, powder and physicochemical studies of the root of P. senega. Physicochemical studies comprise extractive values, ash values, chemical tests, weight/millilitre, total solids, alcohol content and loss on drying. Results: The root are yellowish brown to light brown and has as its unique mark a projecting line on its down side. The distinguishing microscopic characteristics of the root included the presence of multilayered phellem, abundant phelloderm interrupted by tracheary elements, acicular crystals, abnormal development of phloem and V-shaped medullary rays. Physicochemical studies of the raw drug and mother tincture are standardised and depicted. Conclusion: The pharmacognostic and physicochemical data depicted in this study may serve as pharmacopoeial standards for identification and authentication of the homoeopathic drug P. senega.

Green nanomedicine: an alchemy touch to cancer treatment

This paper is an overview of advances and prospects in applications of nanotechnology for cancer detection, prevention and treatment. Here we address preventive measures, disease-time treatment, and diagnosis in the context of some of the most recent advances in nanotechnology. Nanoparticle science is also briefly addressed as the foundation upon which most nanotechnology cancer therapy is based. It is demonstrated how nanotechnology can help solve one of the most challenging and long standing problems in medicine using it’s 3 basic methods: Conjagative nanoparticle, Laser ablation of tissues, Hyperthermic method; which is how to prevent cancer in current perspective. This has paved a path for an alchemy touch with our natural friends- “Plants” (Curcumin, Cinnamom, Gum Arabic, Polygala senega) to eliminate cancer without harming normal body tissue.

Anticancer potentials of root extract of Polygala senega against benzo［a］pyrene-induced lung cancer in mice

To evaluate anticancer potentials of Polygala senega on lung cancer induced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in mice. Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups with each containing six animals. Group 1 served as control, and the animals received olive oil as vehicle. Group 2 animals were treated with B[a]P (50 mg/kg body weight dissolved in olive oil) orally twice a week for four consecutive weeks. Group 3 animals were fed B[a]P as in group 2 and 48% alcohol (since the vehicle of the remedy was alcohol). Group 4 animals were B[a]P-intoxicated mice (as in group 2) which were additionally fed ethanolic extract of Polygala senega (EEPS) daily for 16 weeks. EEPS treatment started after the first dose of B[a]P. Group 5 animals were treated with EEPS alone for 16 weeks to test cytotoxicity of EEPS if any. Mice were sacrificed after 16 weeks and the following parameters were assessed: the anti-oxidant activity measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical assay, tumor incidence, lung weight and body weight, DNA damage evaluation by comet assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); toxicity biomarkers like catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total thiol content were also detected. Treatment with EEPS increased the final body weight and significantly decreased the lung weight in group 4 mice (P<0.01) compared with group 3 mice. Comet assay showed that EEPS-treated mice in group 4 presented a decrease of DNA damage significantly (P<0.01) in lung tissues. There was a significant increase observed in the level of p53 in group 4 as compared with group 3 (P<0.01) detected by ELISA. A highly significant increase in tissue LPO with concomitant decrease in the activity of anti-oxidants was observed in group 2 and group 3 mice (P<0.05) compared with the control mice. These adverse changes were reversed significantly in group 4 mice (P<0.01). Chemopreventive potentials of Polygala senega against chemically induced lung cancer in mice are confirmed.

Anti-angiogenic effect of triterpenoidal saponins from Polygala senega.

Senegasaponins [senegin II (1), senegin III (2), senegin IV (3), senegasaponin a (4), and senegasaponin b (5)] from Polygala senega were re-discovered as selective anti-proliferative substances against human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Senegasaponins (1-5) showed anti-proliferative activity against HUVECs with IC(50) values in the range 0.6-6.2μM, and the selective index was 7-100-fold in comparison with those for several cancer cell lines, while the desacyl mixture of senegasaponins (6) and tenuifolin (7) lost anti-proliferative activity, indicating that the 28-O-glycoside moiety and methoxycinnamoyl group were essential for the HUVEC-selective growth inhibition of senegasaponins. Senegin III (2) inhibited the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced in vitro tubular formation of HUVECs and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced in vivo neovascularization in the mouse Matrigel plug assay. Moreover, senegin III (2) suppressed tumor growth in the ddY mice s.c.-inoculated murine sarcoma S180 cells. The analysis of the action mechanism of senegin III (2) suggested that the induction of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) would contribute to the anti-angiogenic effects of senegasaponins.

Anticancer Potentials of Root Extract of Polygala senega and Its PLGA Nanoparticles‐Encapsulated Form

Ethanolic extract of Polygala senega (EEPS) had little or no cytotoxic effects on normal lung cells, but caused cell death and apoptosis to lung cancer cell line A549. In the present paper, ethanolic root extract of P. senega (EEPS) was nanoencapsulated (size: 147.7 nm) by deploying a biodegradable poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA). The small size of the NEEPS resulted in an enhanced cellular entry and greater bioavailability. The growth of cancer cells was inhibited better by NEEPS than EEPS. Both EEPS and NEEPS induced apoptosis of A549 cells, which was associated with decreased expression of survivin, PCNA mRNA, and increased expression of caspase-3, p53 mRNAs of A549 cells. The results show that the anticancer potential of the formulation of EEPS-loaded PLGA nanoparticles was more effective than EEPS per se, probably due to more aqueous dispersion after nanoencapsulation. Therefore, nanoencapsulated ethanolic root extract of P. senega may serve as a potential chemopreventive agent against lung cancer.

In Vitro and In Vivo Studies Demonstrate Anticancer Property of Root Extract of Polygala senega

Polygala senega is extensively used in traditional systems of medicine against various lung diseases including cancer. In the present study we tested the anticancer potentials of ethanolic extract of roots of P. senega (generally used as a homeopathic drug) in a mammalian model, where mice, in vivo, were treated chronically with benzo[a] pyrene and in vitro where lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) were used. We deployed various parameters like cell viability assay, chromatin condensation studies with Hoechst 333258 staining, and maintained suitable controls. To understand the possible signal transduction pathways, expression of various signal proteins such as Aryl Hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1), Bcl-2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bax and Caspase-3 was studied. Additionally, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis of AhR, p53, PCNA and β-actin (housekeeping) genes was made. Immunohistochemical localization of PCNA proteins was also conducted in vivo. Feeding of root extract of P. senega to mice (at the rate of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg bw) chronically treated with the carcinogen (50 mg/kg bw dissolved in olive oil) showed positive modulation in expression of signal proteins. Upregulation of apoptotic signals such as p53, Caspase-3 and Bax, and downregulation of AhR, cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1), Bcl-2 and PCNA were observed. Addition of root extract of Polygala Senega (at doses of 50 μg and 100 μg) into culture medium containing A549 cells induced recovery of decreased cell viability and increased chromatin fragmentation (apoptosis). Therefore, results of both in vivo and in vitro studies scientifically validate its potential use as an anticancer agent, particularly against lung cancer, and provide important information potentially helpful in drug designing.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Inonotus obliquus, Polygala senega L., and Viburnum trilobum in a cell screening assay

Aim of the study The purpose of the study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the mushroom Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), Polygala senega (Senega) and Viburnum trilobum (Cranberry) bark extract fractions from locally produced materials in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced murine macrophage RAW 164.7 cells. Materials and methods Four fractions from each of the three extracts were obtained: (80% ethanol extracted; Fa), (water-soluble polysaccharide fraction; Fb), (Polyphenolic fraction; Fc) and (ETOAc/H 2O extracted fraction; Fd). These extract fractions were tested in the cell screening system at 50,100 and 500 μg/ml for their ability to inhibit LPS induced inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNFα and IL-6. Supernatants from LPS alone treated cells were used as control. The cytokines in the cell culture supernatants following treatments with extract fractions were quantified by ELISA method, using 96 well ELISA plates. Results All fractions of the extracts significantly inhibited ( p < 0.05) the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα except the polyphenolic Fc fraction of Senega which showed an increased production of IL-6. Furthermore, each fraction showed a dose-dependant anti-inflammatory effect. Nitric oxide production was not affected by cranberry and senega, while Chaga significantly reduced NO production in murine macrophage cell assay. Conclusions These results demonstrate that the extracts obtained from the root of Polygala senega L., bark of Viburnum trilobum, and the mushroom Inonotus obliquus possess anti-inflammatory properties when tested in a RAW 264.7 macrophage cell system.

Adjuvant activities of saponins from the root of Polygala senega L.This article is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue (part 2 of 2) on the Safety and Efficacy of Natural Health Products.

Eight pure triterpenoid saponin compounds isolated from the root of Polygala senega L., a plant indigenous to the Canadian prairies, were evaluated for their immunological activity in mouse models. The specific antibody responses of the IgG2a subclass increased significantly when isolated P. senega saponins were used as adjuvants in the immunization of mice with OVA antigen. In addition, increased IL-2 levels were observed in spleen cell cultures from P. senega saponin-immunized mice after in vitro secondary antigen stimulation. The saponins were tested for their toxicity in mice by using a haemolytic activity assay and found to be less toxic than Quillaja saponaria saponins that have long been used as adjuvants in vaccine formulations. This study has shown the potential of P. senega saponins to be considered as a natural source of vaccine adjuvants with biological activity equivalent to the current commercially available saponin adjuvants.

Medicinal plants with potential antidiabetic activity - A review of ten years of herbal medicine research (1990-2000)

Medical plants play an important role in the management of diabetes mellitus especially in developing countries whereresources are meager. This review presents the profiles of plants with hypoglycaemic properties, reported in the literaturefrom 1990 to 2000. The profiles presented include information about the scientific name, family, methodology used, thedegree of hypoglycaemic activity and the active agents. The large number of plants described in this review (176 speciesbelonging to 84 families) clearly demonstrated the importance of herbal plants in the treatment of diabetes. It also shows theeffort to isolate new potential antidiabetic agents. The plant families, including the species (sp), most studied for theirconfirmed hypoglycaemic effects include: Leguminoseae (11 sp), Lamiaceae (7 sp), Liliaceae (8 sp), Cucurbitaceae (7 sp),Asteraceae (6 sp), Moraceae (6 sp), Rosaceae (6 sp), Euphorbiaceae (5 sp) and Araliaceae (5 sp). The most studied speciesare: Citrullus colocynthis (Opuntia streptacantha Lem. (Cactaceae), Trigonella foenum greacum L. (Leguminosea),Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), Ficus bengalensis L. (Moraceae), Polygala senega L. (Polygalaceae), andGymnema sylvestre R. (Asclepiadaceae). Many studies have confirmed the benefits of medicinal plants with hypoglycaemiceffects in the management of diabetes mellitus. The effects of these plants may delay the development of diabeticcomplications and correct the metabolic abnormalities. Moreover, during the past few years some of the new bioactive drugsisolated from hypoglycaemic plants showed antidiabetic activity with more efficacy than oral hypoglycaemic agents used inclinical therapy. (Int J Diabetes Metab 14: 1-25, 2006)

The Inhibition of Human Cytochrome P450 by Ethanol Extracts of North American Botanicals

High-throughput enzyme inhibition screening assays were used to quantify the effect of ethanol extracts of 2 accessions of 10 North American (NA) botanicals against the activity of the human cytochrome P450s: CYP3A4, CYP19, and CYP2C19. In addition, phytochemical biomarkers within each extract were identified and quantified using HPLC-MS or GC. Extracts containing uncharacterized phytochemicals were identified taxonomically. The overall objective was to describe the relationship between types and quantities of phytochemicals in ethanol extracts and their ability to inhibit CYP activity. The top three inhibitors of CYP3A4 were Gaultheria procumbens. L. leaf > Rhodiola rosea. L. root > Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. L. Spreng leaf; of CYP19 were R. rosea. root > Rhododendron groenlandicum. (Oeder) Kron & Judd leaf > A. uva-ursi. leaf; and of CYP2C19 were Achillea millefolium. L. leaf and flower > Vaccinium. sp. L. leaf > Polygala senega. L. root. Equisetum arvense. L. leaf, Arctium lappa. L. root, and P. senega. root had the least effect on CYP3A4 and CYP19 activity. These results suggest that North American botanicals have the potential to inhibit the metabolism of drug-specific CYPs in vivo., causing a direct shift in the availability of drugs and their pharmacokinetics in the body. Furthermore, the concentration of certain phytochemical markers varied significantly between accessions (i.e., rosarin and essential oils), suggesting that the extent of metabolic inhibition is directly dependent upon the concentration of bioactive constituents in an extract.

Free-radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant activity of selected plant species from the Canadian prairies

Ethanolic extracts from the roots of wild licorice ( Glycyrrhiza lepidota), narrow-leaved echinacea ( Echinacea angustifolia), senega ( Polygala senega), leaves of bearberry ( Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and aerial parts of two varieties of horsetail ( Equisetum spp.) were prepared and evaluated for their free-radical scavenging capacity and their antioxidant activity, by a number of chemical assays. Assays employed included a β-carotene-linoleic acid (linoleate) model system, reducing power, scavenging effect on the DPPH free radical and capacity to scavenge hydroxyl free radicals (HO ), by use of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The bearberry-leaf extract consistently exhibited the highest antioxidant activity based on the tests performed, and seems to be a promising source of natural antioxidants. The polyphenolic constituents appear to be responsible, at least in part, for the extract's radical-scavenging capacity. Research is progressing to characterize the antioxidant compounds in the bearberry-leaf extract and their mode of action in imparting antioxidant activity to various food systems.

Isolation and evaluation of immunological adjuvant activities of saponins from Polygala senega L.

We have identified saponins in the root of Polygala senega L., a plant indigenous to the Canadian prairies, which display immunopotentiation activity to protein and viral antigens. By two-step extraction and hemolytic activity-guided fractionation by silica flush chromatography six saponin fractions were generated and their HPLC profiles determined. Two dominant fractions, designated as PS-1 and PS-2, were tested for adjuvant activity in mice immunized with ovalbumin, and hens immunized with rotavirus. The resulting adjuvant activity was compared with that of Quil A saponin. The P. senega saponins increased specific antibody levels to the antigens, in both mice and hens. In mice, there was a preferential increase of the IgG 2a subclass, and upon in vitro secondary antigen stimulation, high IL-2 and IFN- γ levels were observed in spleen cell cultures from P. senega saponins-immunized animals. The saponins were tested for their toxicity by lethality in mice and were found to be less toxic at the same dose than their counterpart Quil A. The results of this study indicated the potential of P. senega saponins as vaccine adjuvants to increase specific immune responses.

POTENTIAL NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS FROM SASKATCHEWAN INDIGENOUS PLANTS

ABSTRACTEthanolic extracts from echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) root, senega (Polygala senega) root, wild licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) root, bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi) leaves and aerial parts of horsetail (Equisetum spp.) were evaluated for their antioxidative activity using a β‐carotene‐linoleate model system. The extract of bearberry exhibited the highest activity, followed by those of wild licorice, senega, echinacea and horsetail. Phenolic compounds proved to be, at least in part, responsible for the observed antioxidative activity. The multistep fractionation of the most promising extract (i.e., bearberry) by column

Hypoglycemic activity of some triterpenoid glycosides.

Four triterpenoid glycosides isolated from the rhizomes of Polygala senega var. latifolia, senegins II-IV (1-3) and desmethoxysenegin II (4), were tested for hypoglycemic activity in normal and KK-Ay mice. Compounds 1 and 2 reduced the blood glucose of normal mice 4 h after intraperitoneal administration and also significantly lowered the glucose level of KK-Ay mice under similar conditions. Compounds 3 and 4, as well as senegose A (5), an oligosaccharide ester, were inactive when tested against normal mice.

Hypoglycemic effect of the rhizomes of Polygala senega in normal and diabetic mice and its main component, the triterpenoid glycoside senegin-II.

The hypoglycemic effect of the rhizomes of Polygala senega L. var. latifolia Torrey et Gray (Polygalaceae) was investigated in normal and KK-Ay mice, one of the model animals of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The n-butanol extract of senega rhizomes (SN) (5 mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose of normal mice from 191 +/- 3 to 120 +/- 3 mg/dl 4 hours after intraperitoneal administration (P < 0.001), and also showed a significant decrease in the glucose level of KK-Ay mice from 469 +/- 38 to 244 +/- 14 mg/dl under similar conditions (P < 0.001). But streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice did not experience a change in the blood glucose after administration of SN. We propose that the hypoglycemic effect of SN occurs without altering the insulin concentration. Moreover, SN needs the presence of insulin in order to act. In addition, one of the active components of the hypoglycemic effect was identified as a triterpenoid glycoside, senegin-II.

Volatile compounds of Polygala senega L. var. latifolia Torrey et Gray roots

AbstractThe composition of the essential oil from roots of Polygala senega L. var. latifolia Torrey et Gray grown in Canada has been investigated by GC, IR, 1H‐NMR and GC‐MS. The oil contained over 230 components: 53.4% of the oil was made up of carboxylic acids. The main components were hexanoic acid (33.6%), methyl salicylate (26.5%), n‐hexanal (5.3%) and o‐cresol (3.5%).

Bioactive saponins and glycosides. I. Senegae radix. (1): E-senegasaponins a and b and Z-senegasaponins a and b, their inhibitory effect on alcohol absorption and hypoglycemic activity.

E-Senegasaponins a, b, and c were isolated from Senegae Radix, the root of Polygala senega L. var. latifolia TORREY et GRAY, together with their Z-isomers of the 4"-methoxycinnamoyl moiety, Z-senegasaponins a, b, and c. The structures of E-senegasaponins a and b and Z-senegasaponins a and b have been elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence, and the geometrical isomeric structure of the 4"-methoxycinnamoyl group in each saponin was found to show tautomer-like behavior in methanol solution or under irradiation with fluorescent lamps. E and Z-Senegasaponins a and b were found to exhibit potent inhibitory effects on alcohol absorption and hypoglycemic activity in the oral D-glucose tolerance tests in rats, and some structure-activity relationships of the acylated bisdesmoside-type saponins were clarified.