Total Saponin Content Research Articles

Diversity Analysis and Comprehensive Evaluation of 101 Soybean (Glycine max L.) Germplasms Based on Sprout Quality Characteristics

Soybean sprouts are a common culinary vegetable due to their high nutrition and tasty flavors. To select soybean varieties with excellent sprout quality, 101 soybean materials were collected from different regions of China, and eight sprout quality parameters were determined for overall evaluation. The results showed that eight sprout quality parameters achieved varying degrees of difference and correlation. Based on the principal component analysis (PCA), three principal components were extracted, with a cumulative contribution rate of 78.314%. Further, the comprehensive evaluation value (D) of soybean sprout quality was calculated by membership function analysis based on PCA, and the quality of soybean sprouts was ranked accordingly. Subsequently, a regression equation for the prediction of soybean sprout quality was established using a stepwise regression analysis, and the model showed a good prediction performance (correlation coefficient of prediction > 0.8; residual predictive deviation > 2.0). On these grounds, it was proposed that the quality of soybean sprouts could be comprehensively predicted by four parameters: hypocotyl length, edible rate, 100-seed weight, and total isoflavone content and saponin content. In conclusion, this study provides excellent varieties for soybean sprout production and new variety breeding, and it provides an important reference for the prediction of soybean sprout quality.

Effect of the Total Saponins of Bupleurum chinense DC. Water Extracts Following Ultrafiltration Pretreatment on Macroporous Resin Adsorption

Macroporous resin is an efficient separation technology that plays a crucial role in the separation and purification of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the application of macroporous resins in TCM pharmaceuticals is hindered by serious fouling caused by the complex materials used in TCM. This study examines the impact of ultrafiltration (UF) membrane technology on the macroporous resin adsorption behavior of TCM extracts. In this paper, Bupleurum chinense DC. (B. chinense) water extracts were included as an example to study the effect of UF pretreatment on the macroporous resin adsorption of total saponins. The study results indicated that the adsorption of total saponins constituents from the water extracts of B. chinense on the macroporous resin followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic parameters of adsorption, including enthalpy changes and Gibbs free energies, were negative, while entropy changes were positive. These results demonstrated that the total saponin components form a monolayer adsorption layer by spontaneous thermal adsorption on the macroporous resin, and that the adsorption rate is not determined by the rate of intraparticle diffusion. Following treatment with a UF membrane with an average molecular weight cut-off of 50 kDa, the protein, starch, pectin, tannin, and other impurities in the water extracts of B. chinense were reduced, while the total saponin content was retained at 82.32%. The adsorption kinetic model of the saponin constituents on the macroporous resin remained unchanged and was consistent with both the second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model; the adsorption rate of the second-order kinetic model increased by 1.3 times and in the Langmuir model at 25 °C, the adsorption performance improved by 1.16 times compared to the original extracts. This study revealed that UF technology as a pretreatment method can reduce the fouling of macroporous resin by TCM extracts and improve the adsorption performance of macroporous resin.

Variations of Major Flavonoids, Nutritional Components, and Antioxidant Activities in Mung Beans (Vigna radiate L.) of Different Seed Weights

This study examined the levels of major flavonoids, nutritional components, total secondary metabolite contents, and antioxidant activities in 136 mung bean accessions and statistically analyzed the effect of seed weight difference on each. Vitexin and isovitexin were detected in all the mung bean accessions, with isovitexin being in a higher concentration regardless of seed weight difference. The contents of total protein and total starch were in the ranges of 22.01–28.96 and 32.62–49.03 g/100 g, respectively. Five fatty acids were detected by GC–FID analysis in all mung bean accessions, with linoleic acid being the most dominant (37.96–50.71 g/100 g). Total saponin content (TSC), total phenol content (TPC), DPPH• scavenging activity, ABTS•+ scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) showed more than five-fold differences. Analysis of variance supported by multivariate analysis demonstrated that seed weight difference had a significant effect on total starch, all individual fatty acids except for stearic acid and oleic acid, TSC, and all antioxidant activities except for ABTS•+ scavenging activity. On the other hand, vitexin, isovitexin, total protein, total phenol, and total fatty acid contents remained unaffected by seed weight difference. Overall, this study showed the diversity of key flavonoids, nutritional components, total secondary metabolite contents, and antioxidant activities in mung bean genetic materials. Moreover, the study unveiled how seed weight affects the analyzed parameters in mung beans for the first time. These findings could maximize the use of mung beans in food industries and breeding programs as well as lead to more studies in metabolomics and genomics.

Influences of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 Fermentation on the Bitterness of Bitter Melon Juice, the Composition of Saponin Compounds, and Their Bioactivities.

Lactic acid bacteria fermentation is a beneficial bioprocessing method that can improve the flavor, transform nutrients, and maintain the biological activity of foods. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 fermentation on the nutritional components, flavor and taste properties, and composition of saponin compounds and their hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities. The results suggested that the total polyphenol content increased, and the soluble polysaccharides and total saponin contents decreased in fermented bitter melon juice (FJ) compared with those in non-fermented bitter melon juice (NFJ). The determination of volatile flavor substances by GC-MS revealed that the response values of acetic acid, n-octanol, sedumol, etc., augmented significantly, and taste analysis with an electronic tongue demonstrated lower bitterness and higher acidity in FJ. Furthermore, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS testing showed a significant decrease in bitter compounds, including momordicines I and II, and a significant increase in the active saponin momordicine U in the fermented bitter melon saponin group (FJBMS). The in vitro assays indicated that FJBMS exhibited similar antioxidant activities as the non-fermented bitter melon saponin group (NFBMS). The in vitro results show that both NFBMS and FJBMS, when used at 50 μg/mL, could significantly reduce fat accumulation and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased the catalase (CAT) activity, while there was no significant difference in the bioactivities of NFBMS and FJBMS. In conclusion, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 fermentation is an effective means to lower the bitterness value of bitter melon and preserve the well-known bioactivities of its raw materials, which can improve the edibility of bitter melon.

Metabolite Profiling and Identification of Sweet/Bitter Taste Compounds in the Growth of Cyclocarya Paliurus Leaves Using Multiplatform Metabolomics.

Cyclocarya paliurus tea, also known as "sweet tea", an herbal tea with Cyclocarya paliurus leaves as raw material, is famous for its unique nutritional benefits and flavor. However, due to the unique "bittersweet" of Cyclocarya paliurus tea, it is still unable to fully satisfy consumers' high-quality taste experience and satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to explore metabolites in Cyclocarya paliurus leaves during their growth period, particularly composition and variation of sweet and bitter taste compounds, by combining multi-platform metabolomics analysis with an electronic tongue system and molecular docking simulation technology. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the contents of total phenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and saponins in C. paliurus leaves in different growing months. A total of 575 secondary metabolites were identified as potential active metabolites related to sweet/bitter taste using nontargeted metabolomics based on UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. Moreover, molecular docking technology was utilized to study interactions between the candidate metabolites and the sweet receptors T1R2/T1R3 and the bitter receptors T2R4/T2R14. Six key compounds with high sweetness and low bitterness were successfully identified by using computational simulation analysis, including cis-anethole, gluconic acid, beta-D-Sedoheptulose, asparagine, proline, and citrulline, which may serve as candidates for taste modification in Cyclocarya paliurus leaves. These findings provide a new perspective for understanding the sweet and bitter taste characteristics that contribute to the distinctive sensory quality of Cyclocarya paliurus leaves.

Induction and Suspension Culture of Panax japonicus Callus Tissue for the Production of Secondary Metabolic Active Substances.

Using Panax japonicus as research material, callus induction and culture were carried out, and high-yielding cell lines were screened to establish a suspension culture system that promotes callus growth and the accumulation of the "total saponins" (total content of triterpenoid glycosides or ginsenosides). Using the root as an explant, the medium for callus induction and proliferation was optimized by adjusting culture conditions (initial inoculation amount, carbon source, shaking speed, hormone concentration, culture time) and a high-yielding cell line with efficient proliferation and high total saponins content was screened out. The conditions of suspension culture were refined to find out the most suitable conditions for the suspension culture of callus, and finally, the suspension culture system was established. We found that the lowest (5%) contamination rate was achieved by disinfecting the fresh roots with 75% alcohol for 60 s, followed by soaking in 10% NaClO for 15 min. The highest induction rate (88.17%) of callus was obtained using the medium MS + 16.11 μmol·L-1 NAA + 13.32 μmol·L-1 6-BA + 30.0 g·L-1 sucrose + 7.5 g·L-1 agar. The callus was loose when the callus subcultured on the proliferation medium (MS + 5.37 μmol·L-1 NAA + 13.32 μmol·L-1 6-BA + 30.0 g·L-1 sucrose + 3.8 g·L-1 gellan gum) for 21 days. The callus growth was cultured in a liquid growth medium (MS + 5.37 μmol·L-1 NAA + 13.32 μmol·L-1 6-BA + 30.0 g·L-1 sucrose) with an initial inoculation amount of 40 g·L-1, a shaking speed of 110 r/min and darkness. Cell growth was fastest with a culture period of 21 days. We replaced the growth medium with the production medium (MS + 5.37 μmol·L-1 NAA + 13.32 μmol·L-1 6-BA + 30.0 g·L-1 glucose) for maximum accumulation of total saponins. [Conclusion] A callus induction and suspension culture system for the root of P. japonicus was established. In this way, we can promote the accumulation of total saponins in callus cells and provide a basis for large-scale cell culture and industrial production of medicinal total saponins.

Enhancement of Active Substances in Astragali Radix Broth with Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation and the Promotion Role of Chlorella Growth Factor

Astragali Radix, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine widely used for its medicinal properties, is known to be rich in active components that possess various pharmacological effects. However, the effectiveness of microbial fermentation in enhancing the content of these active substances remains unclear. In this study, a microflora of lactic acid bacteria was used to ferment Astragali Radix, and the promoting effect of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) on the fermentation process was investigated so as to clarify the changes in major active compound content in the fermented Astragali Radix broth. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was conducted to analyze the differences in metabolites before and after fermentation. The results showed that the total polysaccharide, total flavonoid, and total saponin content in the fermented Astragali Radix broth increased by up to 51.42%, 97.76%, and 72.81% under the optimized conditions, respectively. Streptococcus lutetiensis was the dominant bacterial species during the fermentation process. There were significant differences in metabolites in the fermentation broth before and after fermentation, among which amino acids (such as L-Aspartyl-L-Phenylalanine, etc.) and saponin compounds (such as Cloversaponin I, Goyasaponin I, etc.) were the main upregulated metabolites, which can enhance the physiological functions of Astragali Radix fermentation broth. The CGF exhibited the ability to promote the increase of active substance content in the fermented Astragali Radix broth.

Recovery of Saponins, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn Rhizomes by Different Extraction Methods

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the solvent type, extraction time, extraction temperature and solvent-to-material ratio on the recovery of the total saponin content (TSC), the total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant activity from the rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. The extraction efficiency of the bioactive compounds by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was also evaluated. Extraction with 80% ethanol achieved the highest extraction yields, and the optimal conditions for the extraction of TSC were 60 min, 57 °C and an 80 mL/g solvent-to-material ratio. The optimal conditions for the recovery of TPC were 178 min, 45 °C and a solvent-to-material ratio of 68 mL/g. The highest antioxidant activity of the extracts from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn rhizomes was obtained with the optimal conditions of 180 min, 40 °C and an 80 mL/g solvent-to-material ratio. The actual extraction yields obtained from the optimal conditions were 11.33 mg aescin equivalents (AE)/g dry weight (DW) for TSC, 23.58 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g DW for TPC and DPPH antioxidant activity of 133.45 µM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW. UAE using the same type and amount of solvent for only 10 min could result in comparable extraction yields of TSC, TPC and DPPH antioxidant activity to the 180 min conventional extraction process. These promising results suggest the potential for the development of effective extraction processes to recover bioactive compounds from Curculigo orchioides Gaertn rhizomes in practical production.

Anti-nutrient factors, nutritional components, and antioxidant activities of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) as affected by genotype, seed traits, and their interactions

This study explored how genotype, seed color, and seed weight affect major biochemical components in 95 faba bean accessions. Genotype variation significantly affected convicine, total tannin (TTC), total saponin, and total phenol (TPC) contents. Seed color and weight variations affected several parameters, with their interaction significantly affecting convicine, total vicine-convicine content (TVC), TTC, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and antioxidant activities. Genotype interaction with seed weight and seed color also significantly affected convicine, TVC, TPC, oleic acid, linoleic acid, PUFA, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Vicine, dietary fiber, total fat, crude protein, palmitic acid, and stearic acid contents remain unaffected by these factors. Multivariate analysis showed that brown and small beans had distinctive characteristics. Overall, this study demonstrated the connection between biochemical components, genotype, and seed traits in faba beans. Therefore, these factors should be considered when choosing faba bean genotypes for use in the food industry and breeding programs.

Exploration of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Eclipta prostrata Leaf Extract

Background: Eclipta prostrate also recognized as Bhringaraja is an annual herbaceous plant, commonly known as king of hairs. It is an erect or prostrate, much branched, roughly hairy, annual, rooting at the nodes; the leaves are opposite, sessile and lanceolate belonging to family Asteraceae. This plant is a significant medicinal plant in the tropical and subtropical areas. It is broadly used in treating different diseases of skin, liver and stomach in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and other countries. Methods: The main aim of this work was to collect and analyze the available information on traditional uses, phytoconstituents and biological activities of E. prostrata. Eclipta prostrata L. methanol extract was evaluated for its phytochemical compounds, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and antibacterial activity. Result: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, glycoproteins and volatile oil the total saponin content was found to be 84.175 ± 0.575 in mg/g equivalent of diosgenin. The results of antioxidant activity measured by the FRAP method revealed stronger reducing power of the extract. Further antibacterial activity was observed against K. pneumoniae and S. aureus in potential of inhibiting the tested microorganisms. Crude methanolic extract of E. prostrate recorded a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2 mg/ml. The results of current study suggested that antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity could be due to polyphenols, however chiefly by various active compounds or substances present in the extract. Further isolation, characterization and identification of the potential phytochemical compound from crude extract needs to be addressed.

Antimicrobial Activity of Soaked and Boiled Jengkol Fruit Skin Extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans

Jengkol (Archidendron jiringa) fruit skin contains saponin, tannin, flavonoid, and phenolic compounds which act as antimicrobials in inhibiting and killing microbial. This research aimed to analyze the differences in various jengkol fruit skin extracts in antimicrobial activity against test microbes, as well as to analyze the total phenolic content and total saponin content in each jengkol fruit skin extract. The research method was carried out using an experimental method. Factor A extract (soaking and boiling) and Factor B Microbe (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans). The results of this research showed that extracts from soaking and boiling of jengkol fruit skin provided different inhibitory effects on the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans. The best extraction method that produces the largest zone of inhibition for test microbes is boiling extract. The extract with the highest total phenolic content is boiling extract with a total phenolic content of 7.517 mgGAE/ml. The extract with the highest total saponin content is boiling extract with a total saponin content of 16.11%.

Linking soil nutrients, microbial community composition, and enzyme activities to saponin content of Paris polyphylla after addition of biochar and organic fertiliser

The application of organic fertilisers and biochar has become widespread in agroforestry ecosystems to enhance the yield and quality of crops and medicinal plants. However, their specific impact on both the yield and quality of Paris polyphylla (P. polyphylla), along with the underlying mechanisms, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the distinct effects of organic fertiliser (at concentrations of 5% and 10%) and biochar application (at levels of 2% and 4%) on P. polyphylla saponin content. This content is intricately regulated by available soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial community compositions and activities. Our results clearly demonstrated a significant increase in the saponin content, including total saponin, polyphyllin I (PPI), polyphyllin II (PPII), polyphyllin VI (PPVI), and polyphyllin VII (PPVII), in P. polyphylla following the application of both biochar and organic fertiliser. Moreover, in comparison to the control group, the addition of biochar and organic fertiliser led to a considerable rise in the activity of glycosyltransferase enzyme (GTS) and cycloartenol synthase (CAS) in P. polyphylla. Additionally, it increased soil available potassium (AK) and soil organic matter (SOM) concentration, along with the activity of urease, acid phosphatase, and catalase, although biochar amendment resulted in a decrease in nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) concentration. Crucially, our findings revealed a positive correlation between total saponin content and the activity of CAS in P. polyphylla, soil AK, SOM concentration, and the activities of urease, acid phosphatase, and catalase. Conversely, there was a negative correlation with NO3−-N content. Furthermore, the application of organic fertiliser and biochar significantly influenced microbial community structures and specific microbial taxa. Notably, total saponin content exhibited a positive relationship with the relative abundances of Dehalococcoidia, Saccharomycetes, and Agaricomycetes taxa while showing a negative correlation with the abundance of Verrucomicrobiae. In conclusion, the observed increase in saponin content can be attributed to the modulation of specific microbial taxa in soils, as well as alterations in soil nutrients and enzyme activities resulting from the application of biochar and organic fertiliser. This study identifies a potential mechanism for enhancing saponin content in the artificial cultivation of P. polyphylla.

Genome-Wide Identification of the CYP716 Gene Family in Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. and Its Role in the Regulation of Triterpenoid Saponin Biosynthesis.

The main type of saponins occurring in the root of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. are oleanolic acid glycosides. The CYP716 gene family plays a major role in catalyzing the conversion of β-amyrin into oleanolic acid. However, studies on the CYP716 genes in P. grandiflorus are limited, and its evolutionary history remains poorly understood. In this study, 22 PgCYP716 genes were identified, distributed among seven subfamilies. Cis-acting elements of the PgCYP716 promoters were mainly involved in plant hormone regulation and responses to abiotic stresses. PgCYP716A264, PgCYP716A391, PgCYP716A291, and PgCYP716BWv3 genes were upregulated in the root and during saponin accumulation, as shown by RNA-seq analysis, suggesting that these four genes play an important role in saponin synthesis. The results of subcellular localization indicated that these four genes encoded membrane proteins. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of these four genes was proved in the yeast, which catalyzed the conversion of β-amyrin into oleanolic acid. We found that the content of β-amyrin, platycodin D, platycoside E, platycodin D3, and total saponins increased significantly when either of the four genes was over expressed in the transgenic hair root. In addition, the expression of PgSS, PgGPPS2, PgHMGS, and PgSE was also upregulated while these four genes were overexpressed. These data support that these four PgCYP716 enzymes oxidize β-amyrin to produce oleanolic acid, ultimately promoting saponin accumulation by activating the expression of upstream pathway genes. Our results enhanced the understanding of the functional variation among the PgCYP716 gene family involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis and provided a theoretical foundation for improving saponin content and enriching the saponin biosynthetic pathway in P. grandiflorus.

Optimization of saponin extraction from the leaves of Panax notoginseng and Panax quinquefolium and evaluation of their antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory activities

Panax notoginseng and Panax quinquefolium are important economic plants that utilize dried roots for medicinal and food dual purposes; there is still insufficient research of their stems and leaves, which also contain triterpenoid saponins. The extraction process was developed with a total saponin content of 12.30 ± 0.34% and 12.19 ± 0.64% for P. notoginseng leaves (PNL) and P. quinquefolium leaves (PQL) extracts, respectively. PNL and PQL saponin extracts showed good antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and RAW264.7 cells. A total of 699 metabolites were identified in PNL and PQL saponin extracts, with the majority being triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids and amino acids. Fourteen ginsenosides, 18 flavonoids or alkaloids, and 16 amino acids were enriched in both saponin extracts. Overall, the utilization of saponins from medicinal plants PNL and PQL has been developed to facilitate systematic research in the functional food and natural product industries.

Effect of total saponins from Panacis Majoris Rhizoma on proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy of human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells

This paper investigated the effect of total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris on the proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy of human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. The saponin content was detected by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. Cell coun-ting kit-8(CCK-8) assay, 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI) staining, and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of total saponins of Panacis Majoris Rhizoma on cell viability, morphology, cell cycle and apoptosis of HeLa cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3, autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and SQSTM1(p62), and the proteins related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathways. It was found that the yield and saponin content of total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris were 6.3% and 78.3%, respectively. Total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris could significantly inhibit the proliferation(P<0.001), effect the nuclear morphology, block the G_0/G_1 cycle, and induce cell apoptosis in HeLa cells with a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3, and autophagy-related protein p62(P<0.05), while down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and autophagy-related protein Beclin-1(P<0.01). Total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris could promote the expression of p-p38/p38, p-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/JNK, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR proteins in PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways(P<0.05). In contrast, the effect on p-ERK/ERK expression was not obvious. Therefore, total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris may inhibit autophagy and promote apoptosis of HeLa cells through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, c-JNK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which indicates that total saponins from Rhizoma Panacis Majoris may have a potential role in cervical cancer treatment.

Free Radical Scavenging Effect and Immunomodulatory Activity of Total Saponins Extract of Ginseng Fibrous Roots.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey) is known for its rich saponin compounds and tonic effects. To better utilize the medicinal value of ginseng, this study investigated the extraction process, components, free radical scavenging ability, and immunomodulatory activity of total saponins of ginseng fibrous roots. The response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction process of total saponins, and Q-Orbitrap high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the chemical constituents in the total saponins extract of ginseng fibrous roots (GRS). The results showed that the optimal extraction process was achieved with an ethanol concentration of 68%, a material-solvent ratio of 1:25 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min, yielding a total saponin content of 6.34% under these conditions. The extract contained four terpenoid compounds and four polyphenolic compounds. GRS exhibited considerable scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals, with IC50 values of 0.893 and 0.210 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, GRS restored immune suppression in mice by increasing white blood cell, red blood cell, and neutrophil counts, and improving the lymphocyte. It also promoted immune system recovery, as evidenced by elevated serum levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β in mice. GRS is a natural compound with promising potential for developing antioxidants and immunomodulatory foods.

Characterization of microencapsulated powders rich in saponins from cocoa pod husk (Theobroma cacao L.) and medicinal plant an xoa (Helicteres hirsuta Lour.)

Cocoa pod husk (CPH) is a major residue of cocoa processing industry, while medicinal plant H. hirsuta is used for treatment of malaria and diabetes mellitus in folk medicine. This study aimed to produce microencapsulated powders from saponin-enriched CPH and H. hirsuta extracts and assess their physicochemical, phytochemical, antioxidant, and α-glucosidase inhibition properties. The findings show that the microencapsulated powders were achieved diserable physicochemical properties (moisture of 3.22–4.76 %, water activity of 0.43–0.46, water solubility index of 74.18–88.77 %, particle size of 254.2–719.7 nm, and zeta potential from −6.97 to −15.1 mV). The phytochemical content of microencapsulated CPH powders gained at high levels (total saponin content of 151.87–193.46 mg EE/g DS, total flavonoid content of 33.80–46.05 mg CE/g DS), total alkaloid content of 15.20–24.23 mg AA/g DS, and total phenolic content of 5.41–6.49 mg GAE/g DS). The antioxidant potential of microencapsulated CPH powders using ARSC and FRAP assays was 15.51–18.20 and 9.61–11.89 mg TE/g DS, respectively, while their α-glucosidase inhibition capacity at 100 μg/mL was found at 51.74–52.16 %. The phytochemical content (except total alkaloid content), antioxidant, and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of microencapsulated CPH powders were smaller than those of microencapsulated H. hirsuta and combined powders. This study reveals that the microencapsulated CPH and H. hirsuta powders were prospective in reducing hyperglycemia activity. Therefore, this study provided an evidence for further application of CPH and H. hirsuta plant for functional food development.

Analysis of Quantitative Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity of Leaf, Stem, and Bark of Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes.

To the best of our knowledge, there was no prior report providing valuable preliminary data through a demonstration of the quantitative phytochemical and antioxidant activity of Gymnosporia senegalensis. The total contents of phenols, flavonoid, flavanol, tannin, and saponin were evaluated from different fractions extracted from the leaf, stem, and bark of G. senegalensis by using standards such as gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, tannic acid, and saponin quillaja. The antioxidant potential was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide scavenging (H2O2), superoxide anion radical scavenging, metal chelating ferrous ion, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Data were subjected to half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p < 0.05 as a significant value. The total phenol content was found to be highest in the chloroform extract of stem at 97.7 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g. The total flavonoid and flavonol contents in the aqueous extract were 97.1 ± 0.03 mg QE/g and 96.7 ± 0.07 mg RE/g, respectively. The total tannin content in the ethyl acetate extract of leaf was 97.5 ± 0.01 mg TAE/g, and the total saponin content in the methanol extract of stem was 79.1 ± 0.06 mg SQE/g. The antioxidant analysis indicated that IC50 and percentage (%) inhibition were dose-dependent and showed the highest antioxidant activity (40.9 ± 0.9 µg/mL) in methanol extract of leaf for DPPH, (88.8 ± 1.12 µg/mL) in the chloroform extract of stem for H2O2, (43.9 ± 0.15 µg/mL) in the aqueous extract of bark for superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, (26.9 ± 0.11 µg/mL) in the chloroform extract of leaf for the metal chelating ferrous ion activity, (7.55 ± 0.10 mg/mL) in the benzene extract of leaf for FRAP, and (2.97 ± 0.01 mg/mL) in the methanol extract of bark for TAC. These results show that G. senegalensis has great potential in antioxidant activities. The isolation and characterization of specific bioactive compounds and the in vivo applicability of such activity await further extensive studies for drug discovery and development.

Cloning, Expression Characteristics of Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase Gene from Platycodon grandiflorus and Functional Identification in Triterpenoid Synthesis.

Platycodon grandiflorus is a medicinal plant whose main component is platycodins, which have a variety of pharmacological effects and nutritional values. The farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS) is a key enzyme in the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway, which catalyzes the synthesis of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP). In this study, we cloned the FPS gene from P. grandiflorus (PgFPS) with an ORF of 1260 bp, encoding 419 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight and theoretical pI of 46,200.98 Da and 6.52, respectively. The squalene content of overexpressed PgFPS in tobacco leaves and yeast cells extract was 1.88-fold and 1.21-fold higher than that of the control group, respectively, and the total saponin content was also increased by 1.15 times in yeast cells extract, which verified the biological function of PgFPS in terpenoid synthesis. After 48 h of MeJA treatment and 6 h of ethephon treatment, the expression of the PgFPS gene in roots and stems reached its peak, showing a 3.125-fold and 3.236-fold increase compared to the untreated group, respectively. Interestingly, the expression of the PgFPS gene in leaves showed a decreasing trend after exogenous elicitors treatment. The discovery of this enzyme will provide a novel perspective for enhancing the efficient synthesis of platycodins.

Evaluation of liquid smoke of cocoa bean shell against Escherichia coli and Candida utilis

Cocoa bean shells are one of the by-products produced from chocolate processing. The cocoa bean shells contain polyphenols approximately 5.8%. The study aimed to evaluate the effectivity of liquid smoke produced from cocoa bean shells against Escherichia coli and Candida utilis It is expected that liquid smoke from cocoa bean shells will have the opportunity to replace AGPs. Total phenol, saponin, and tannin compounds were analyzed and were made in three replications. To determine the inhibition of liquid smoke of cocoa bean shells (LSCBS) on E. coli and C. utilis, the diameter of the clear area on the media was measured using a ruler. The antibacterial and antifungal activity test was carried out by well diffusion methods. Ten treatments, i.e. different concentrations of the LSCBS (0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%/non-diluted), each with four replications were performed, and the growth of the E. coli and C. utilis was observed. Statistical analysis was conducted using a completely randomized design. The results showed total phenol content was 0.17 g/100mL, saponin 0.46 g/100mL, and tannin 0.047 g/100mL in LSCBS. The antibacterial activity with a 10-100% concentration of LSCBS did not show zona inhibition (clear zone) against E. coli. Likewise, antifungal activity with a 10-100% concentration of LSCBS did not show zona inhibition against C. utilis. Not all liquid smoke from plant by-products inhibits bacterial growth. This research showed that the liquid smoke from the cocoa bean shells did not affect the growth of Escherichia coli and Candida utilis in vitro, the possible cause was the very low content of total phenols, saponins, and tannins It means liquid smoke from cocoa bean shells could not replace AGPs.