Triterpenoid Saponins Research Articles

Researc h progress on chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, toxicity,and heavy metal enrichment characteristics of Phytolacca plants

In China, the dry roots of Phytolacca acinosa or P. americana in the Phytolacca plants are listed as the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) Phytolaccae Radix. Phytolacca plants contain triterpenoids, triterpenoid saponins, polysaccharides, antiviral proteins, flavonoids, and other chemical components. The most important compounds are triterpenoids and triterpenoid saponins.Phytolacca plants have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, deworming, and other activities. In this paper, the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, toxicity, and heavy metal enrichment characteristics of Phytolacca plants were summarized to provide a theoretical basis for the study of active ingredients and drug development of Phytolacca plants.

Identification and Expression Analysis of Cytochrome P450 Genes Probably Involved in Triterpenoid Saponins Biosynthesis in Astragalus mongholicus.

Cytochromes P450 (P450s) are one of the largest enzymatic protein families and play critical roles in the synthesis and metabolism of plant secondary metabolites. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the primary active components in Astragalus herbs, exhibiting diverse biological activities and pharmacological effects. However, P450s involved in the astragaloside biosynthesis have not been systematically analyzed in Astragalus mongholicus (A. mongholicus). In this study, we identified 209 P450 genes from the genome of A. mongholicus (AmP450s), which were classified into nine clans and 47 families and performed a systematic overview of their physical and chemical properties, phylogeny, gene structures and conserved motifs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that AmP450s are critical in the astragaloside biosynthesis pathway. The expression levels of these AmP450s were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis in the root, stem and leaf, showing that most AmP450s are abundant in the root. Additionally, the correlation analysis between gene expressions and AS-IV content showed that twelve AmP450s, especially CYP71A28, CYP71D16 and CYP72A69, may have significant potential in the biosynthesis of astragaloside. This study systematically investigates the P450s of A. mongholicus and offers valuable insights into further exploring the functions of CYP450s in the astragaloside biosynthesis pathway.

Deapioplatycodin D promotes cell senescence induced by P21 through the mediation of incomplete mitophagy via BNIP3L

Deapioplatycodin D (DPD) is a triterpenoid saponin extracted from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum, which is a common source of medicine and food. Platycodon grandiflorum saponins have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antitumor, and immunity-promoting effects. However, the effect of DPD on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to explore the cytotoxic effects and molecular mechanisms of DPD on HCC cells. Our study revealed that DPD significantly inhibits the proliferation of HCC, as demonstrated by the CCK-8 assay, and then we analyzed the inhibitory effects and pathways of DPD on HCC cells by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay, and found that DPD could increase the changes of autophagy-related protein levels, but had no significant effect on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, and induced cell senescence. Then, transcriptomics analysis revealed that differential genes were significantly enriched in cell senescence and autophagy pathways and significant expression of mitochondrial autophagy-related gene BNIP3L and senescence-related gene P21. Subsequently, autophagy and cell senescence were analyzed using gene silencing, and it was found that DPD caused mitochondrial damage and promoted reactive oxygen species production, leading to the inhibition of autophagic fluxes and mitophagy via BNIP3L, and that DPD also mediated cell senescence via P21. Here, we found that autophagy promoted cell senescence, resulting in the inhibition of HCC cell proliferation. Similar results were obtained in the tumor-bearing model in vivo. In conclusion, DPD induces incomplete mitophagy and cell senescence in HCC cells, thereby inhibiting HCC cell proliferation. DPD is a potential new strategy for treating HCC.

Protective effects and regulatory mechanisms of Platycodin D against LPS-Induced inflammatory injury in BEAS-2B cells

Platycodin D (PLD), a major bioactive component of triterpene saponins found in Platycodon grandiflora, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aims to explore the protective effects and regulatory mechanisms of PLD in an LPS-induced inflammation injury model of BEAS-2B cells. Initially, PLD was identified from Platycodon grandiflora extracts utilizing UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology. The effects of PLD on the viability, morphology, ROS levels, and inflammatory factors of LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells were then investigated. The results showed that PLD significantly alleviated LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory injury. Further analysis revealed that PLD positively influenced apoptosis levels, mitochondrial morphology, and related gene expression, indicating its potential to mitigate LPS-induced apoptosis and alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction. Using molecular docking technology, we predicted the binding sites of PLD with mitochondrial autophagy protein. Gene expression levels of autophagy-related proteins were measured to determine the impact of PLD on mitochondrial autophagy. Additionally, the study examined whether the mitochondrial autophagy agonists rapamycin (RAPA) could modulate the upregulation of inflammasome-related factors NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells. This was done to evaluate the regulator mechanisms of PLD in pulmonary inflammatory injury. Our findings suggest that PLD’s mechanism of action involves the regulation of mitochondrial autophagy, which in turn modulates inflammatory responses.

Multi-strategy integration improves 28-O-glucosylation of asiatic acid into asiatic acid monoglucoside

Asiaticoside is a typical triterpene saponin with many important bioactivities that has been widely applied in food and cosmetics fields. Asiaticoside is currently extracted from Centella asiatica but this production method cannot meet market demand. Omics and synthetic biology analyses gradually clarified the endogenous synthesis pathway of asiaticoside in C. asiatica, and production via a heterologous synthetic microbial cell factory has been explored. De novo asiaticoside biosynthesis was achieved and glycosylation was found to be a key limiting factor. Herein, we enhance the efficiency of 28-O-glucosylation of asiatic acid into asiatic acid monoglycoside. By comparing different plant-derived UDP-glycosyltransferases, optimising promoters and co-expressing solubilising tags, and employing rational design, the efficiency of this step was enhanced 3.63-fold, reaching 67.6%. By further evaluating the influence on the muti-enzymatic cascade for asiaticoside synthesis from asiatic acid, asiaticoside production was increased 3.37-fold. The strategies provide references for UDP-glycosyltransferase expression and glycosylation of natural products. This obtained result presents an effective approach to enhance glucosylation of asiatic acid, and provides a reference for glycosylation modification of other triterpenoids.

Eight new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Phytochemical investigation of Gynostemma pentaphyllum led to the purification of five novel dammarane-type triterpene isolates, gypenosides B1 − B5 (1–5). Their structures were determined through comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses and HRESIMS data. Of note, 1–3 are inseparable mixtures of epimers due to their unstable nature, and a total of eight dammarane-type triterpene saponins were identified. Additionally, the protective activities of these new compounds against PC12 cell injury induced by hypoxia were evaluated.

Jujuboside A through YY1/CYP2E1 signaling alleviated type 2 diabetes-associated fatty liver disease by ameliorating hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was a chronic complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and this comorbid disease lacked therapeutic drugs. Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS) was the seed of Ziziphus jujuba var. Spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H.F. Chow, and it could alleviate the symptoms of T2DM patients. As a triterpene saponin, Jujuboside A (Ju A) was the main active substance isolated from SZS and could improve hyperglycemia of diabetic mice. However, it was still unknown whether Ju A has protective effects on T2DM-associated NAFLD. Our study showed that Ju A attenuated T2DM-associated liver damage by alleviating hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in the liver of db/db mice, and high glucose (HG) and free fatty acid (FFA) co-stimulated human hepatocellular carcinomas (HepG2) cells. Along with the improved hyperglycemia and liver injury, Ju A restrained Yin Yang 1 (YY1)/cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) signaling in vivo and in vitro. YY1 overexpression intercepted the protective effects of Ju A on T2DM-induced liver injury via promoting hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress. While, the blocking effect of YY1 overexpression on Ju A's hepatoprotective effect was counteracted by further treatment of CYP2E1 specific inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) in vitro. In-depth mechanism research showed that Ju A through YY1/CYP2E1 signaling promoted hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation, and inhibited inflammatory response and oxidative stress by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), leading to the improvement of T2DM-associated NAFLD. Ju A might be a potential agent in the treatment and health care of T2DM-associated liver disease, especially NAFLD.

Saikosaponin A attenuates osteoclastogenesis and bone loss by inducing ferroptosis.

To alleviate bone loss, most current drugs target osteoclasts. Saikosaponin A (Ssa), a triterpene saponin derived from Bupleurum falcatum (also known as Radix bupleuri), has immunoregulatory, neuromodulatory, antiviral, anticancer, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects. Recently, modulation of bone homeostasis was shown to involve ferroptosis. Herein, we aimed to determine Ssa's inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenesis and differentiation, whether ferroptosis is involved, and the underlying mechanisms. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, F-actin staining, and pit formation assays were conducted to confirm Ssa-mediated inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Ssa could promote osteoclast ferroptosis and increase mitochondrial damage by promoting lipid peroxidation, as measured by iron quantification, FerroOrange staining, Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate, MitoSOX, malondialdehyde, glutathione, and boron-dipyrromethene 581/591 C11 assays. Pathway analysis showed that Ssa can promote osteoclasts ferroptosis by inhibiting the Nrf2/SCL7A11/GPX4 axis. Notably, we found that the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 and the Nrf2 activator tert-Butylhydroquinone reversed the inhibitory effects of Ssa on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. In vivo, micro-computed tomography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, TRAP staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and immunofluorescence confirmed that in rats with periodontitis induced by lipopolysaccharide, treatment with Ssa reduced alveolar bone resorption dose-dependently. The results suggested Ssa as a promising drug to treat osteolytic diseases.

Unlocking saponin biosynthesis in soapwort.

Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is a flowering plant from the Caryophyllaceae family with a long history of human use as a traditional source of soap. Its detergent properties are because of the production of polar compounds (saponins), of which the oleanane-based triterpenoid saponins, saponariosides A and B, are the major components. Soapwort saponins have anticancer properties and are also of interest as endosomal escape enhancers for targeted tumor therapies. Intriguingly, these saponins share common structural features with the vaccine adjuvant QS-21 and, thus, represent a potential alternative supply of saponin adjuvant precursors. Here, we sequence the S. officinalis genome and, through genome mining and combinatorial expression, identify 14 enzymes that complete the biosynthetic pathway to saponarioside B. These enzymes include a noncanonical cytosolic GH1 (glycoside hydrolase family 1) transglycosidase required for the addition of D-quinovose. Our results open avenues for accessing and engineering natural and new-to-nature pharmaceuticals, drug delivery agents and potential immunostimulants.

Ecliptasaponin A protects heart against acute ischemia-induced myocardial injury by inhibition of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEclipta prostrata (Linn.) is a traditional medicinal Chinese herb that displays multiple biological activities, such as encompassing immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, liver-protective, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects. Ecliptasaponin A (ESA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin isolated from Eclipta prostrata (Linn.), has been demonstrated to exert superior anti-inflammatory activity against many inflammatory disorders. Aim of the studyInflammation plays a critical role in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aims to explore the treatment effects of ESA in AMI, as well as the underlying mechanism. MethodsAn AMI mouse model was established in mice via left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation. After surgery, ESA was injected at doses of 0.5, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively. Myocardial infarction size, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac echocardiography were studied. The potential mechanism of action of ESA was investigated by RNA-seq, Western blot, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), molecular docking, and immunofluorescence staining. ResultsESA treatment not only significantly reduced myocardial infarct size, decreased myocardial cell apoptosis, and inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, but also facilitated to improve cardiac function. RNA-seq and Western blot analysis proved that ESA treatment-induced differential expression genes mainly enriched in HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Consistently, ESA treatment resulted into the down-regulation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels after AMI. Furthermore, SPR and molecular docking results showed that ESA could bind directly to HMGB1, thereby impeding the activation of the downstream TLR4/NF-κB pathway. The immunofluorescence staining and Western blot results at the cellular level also demonstrated that ESA inhibited the activation of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway in H9C2 cells. ConclusionOur study was the first to demonstrate a cardiac protective role of ESA in AMI. Mechanism study indicated that the treatment effects of ESA are mainly attributed to its anti-inflammatory activity that was mediated by the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Integrative analyses of metabolome and transcriptome reveal the dynamic accumulation and regulatory network in rhizomes and fruits of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua

BackgroundAccording to Chinese ancient books, both fruits and rhizomes of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua have medicinal and edible values. Up to now, there is no report about the metabolite profiles and regulatory network in fruits and different year-old rhizomes of P. cyrtonema.ResultsIn this study, we performed integrative analyses of metabolome and transcriptome to reveal the dynamic accumulation and regulatory network of fruits and different year-old rhizomes in P. cyrtonema. The relative content of phenolic acids, lignans and coumarins, flavonoids and alkaloids increased with growth years, while steroids and lipids decreased with it. In addition, the relative content of nucleotides and derivatives, flavonoids, organic acids, steroids and lipids in fruits were higher than rhizomes. Genes that might relate to the biosynthesis of polysaccharides, flavonoids, triterpene saponins and alkaloids biosynthesis were further analyzed by transcriptome analysis, including sacA, GMPP, PMM, CCoAOMT, CHI, ANR, CHS, DXS, GGPS, ZEP, CYP72A219 and so on, for their expressions were positively correlated with the relative content of the metabolites. Additionally, the correlation network in sugar and aromatic amino acids metabolites were constructed to further illustrate the biosynthesis of polysaccharides, flavonoids and alkaloids in P. cyrtonema, and some transcription factors (TFs) were screened, such as C2C2, MYB, bZIP, GRAS and NAC.ConclusionsThis study can deepen our understanding of the accumulation patterns and molecular mechanism of the main compounds in P. cyrtonema, and provide reference for the standardize production of P. cyrtonema.

Unveiling the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of roots from six Polygala species

The genus Polygala (Polygalaceae), comprising about 670 species worldwide, has more than 40 species in China. The roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willd., Polygala sibirica L., and Polygala japonica Houtt. are recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia. Other closely related plants of the Polygala genus are also widely used in the folk medicine of southern China, such as Polygala fallax Hemsl., Polygala arvensis Willd., and Polygala glomerata Lour. To systematically compare the chemical compositional and elucidate characteristic compounds among the Polygala genus, six Polygala species, namely P. tenuifolia, P. sibirica, P. japonica, P. fallax, P. arvensis and P. glomerata, underwent comprehensive phytochemical studies using the ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technique, resulting in the identification of 154 compounds, consisting of 62 oligosaccharide esters (40.26 %), 58 saponins (37.66 %), 29 xanthones (18.83 %), and 5 other chemicals (3.25 %). Based on the Masslynx computational tool, a comprehensive comparative phytochemical profiling was achieved and revealed differences in composition among the six Polygala species. P. sibirica exhibited higher levels of specific compounds and was more closely related to P. tenuifolia. Meanwhile, P. japonica showed greater similarity to P. fallax, P. arvensis, and P. glomerata. Oligosaccharide esters and triterpene saponins were more abundant in P. sibirica and P. tenuifolia than in other species. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2-acrylohydrazide [DPPH], 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt [ABTS], copper ion reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC], and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) of the six species were evaluated. Among them, P. tenuifolia demonstrated superior antioxidant potential, with a lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for scavenging DPPH radicals and excellence in CUPRAC (119.85 ± 16.28 μM/0.01 g) compared to other plants. P. japonica showed higher ABTS (98.94 ± 0.03 μM/0.01 g) and FRAP (42.58 ± 0.08 μM/0.01 g). Total flavonoids showed remarkable antioxidant capabilities among the six medicinal plants. Total saponins and phenolics also contributed to the antioxidant potential of these plants. The systematic data and results obtained may provide methodological support for further evaluating the potential use of folk Polygala plants as new effective materials in various commercial sectors, including food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Aphrodisiac Principles and other Constituents from the Roots of Panax quinguefolium and Panax ginseng.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of P. quinquefolium and P. ginseng root extracts afforded six compounds. Among these, two bioactive compounds ginsenoside Re (1) and (20S)-ginsenoside Rg2 (5) exhibiting significant relaxation in rabbit corpus cavernosum with EC50 values of 95.1 and 114.7 μM, respectively. In addition, the phytochemical composition of the water extract of the roots of P. quinquefolium was investigated, and thirty-one compounds were characterized, including four undescribed compounds panajaponol B (18) and panaxjapynes D-F (21-23). Moreover, the spectral characteristics and biosynthetic pathway of Panax triterpene saponins were discussed according to our results and some previous reports.

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.

Myxaoside A, a new triterpenoid saponin from Cordia myxa L. (Boraginaceae)

The phytochemical study of Cordia myxa L. led to the isolation, through chromatographic techniques, of a new triterpenoid saponin, 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-(6-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)]-22β-hydroxyolean-12-ene (3) namely Myxaoside A, together with three known compounds, Soyasaponine I (1), oleanolic acid (2), and 3-O-acetyl-oleanolic acid (4). All structures were established, based on 1 & 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis and comparison with previous published reports. Compound 1-4 were evaluated for their antibacterial activity on various strains of bacteria including Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Vibrio cholerae. It appears that compounds 1 and 3 were active on all the tested microbial species, while compounds 2 and 4, shown no significant effect on S. aureus and K. pneumoniae at low concentrations 6.5 mg/mL and 3.0 mg/mL.

Rapidly screening of pancreatic lipase inhibitors from Clematis tangutica using affinity ultrafiltration-HPLC-QTOFMS technique combined with targeted separation, in vitro validation, and molecular docking.

Screening of novel pancreatic lipase inhibitors from complex natural products is a meaningful task. Through accurately screening and separating pancreatic lipase inhibitors from Clematis tangutica (C. tangutica), to discover new leading compounds for slimming and accelerate the development and utilization of Tibetan medicine resources. An integrated strategy that combines affinity ultrafiltration and high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (AU-HPLC-QTOFMS), targeted separation, in vitro validation, and molecular docking was developed to screen pancreatic lipase inhibitors from C. tangutica. The AU-HPLC-QTOFMS technique was performed to fish for the potential active substances. Macroporous resin, preparative liquid chromatography, and high-speed countercurrent chromatography were implemented for the accurate and targeted separation of active compounds. The inhibitory activities of target compounds to pancreatic lipase were detected by the inhibition experiments in vitro. The binding affinities and binding sites were analyzed using molecular docking. A total of eleven kinds of pancreatic lipase inhibitory substances were screened from C. tangutica. Seven triterpenoid saponins were screened for the first time as lipase inhibitors and successfully prepared with purities higher than 97%. Tanguticoside B, clematangoticoside J, hederoside H1, and rutin showed stronger inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 1.539 ± 0.048, 1.661 ± 0.092, 1.793 ± 0.069, and 1.792 ± 0.094 mmol/l. Moreover, they have the lowest ΔG values of -10.84, -9.97, -10.87, and -9.39 kcal/mol to pancreatic lipase. The integrated strategy using AU-HPLC-QTOFMS, targeted separation, in vitro validation, and molecular docking was feasible for rapidly screening and directionally isolating pancreatic lipase inhibitors from C. tangutica.

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.

Glycerin as an alternative solvent for the extraction of glycyrrhizic acid from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice root extracts are one of the most common and widely used plant extracts. Due to the high content of biologically active substances and pronounced properties, they are used in various industries – in medicine, pharmacology, cosmetics and food industries. The underground part of Licorice contains more than 100 different chemical substances, the most biologically active of which are flavonoids and triterpene saponins. The most significant saponin is glycyrrhizic acid. Science knows many ways to obtain licorice extract, and the research is still being actively carried out to find even more effective, inexpensive and accessible methods.The purpose of the research was to investigate the feasibility and potential of glycerol as a solvent for the extraction of glycyrrhizic acid from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra.The methods. Isolation of glycyrrhizic acid from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra was carried out using the maceration method. Glycerrin and the classic extractant ethanol were tested as an extractant for comparative analysis. Determination of glycyrrhizic acid content in licorice glabra roots was carried out using differential spectrophotometry.The Results. Optimal conditions for the extraction of glycyrrhizic acid from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra were selected. The maximum content of glycyrrhizic acid was observed in the sample prepared at a water-glycerol ratio of 3:2.The scientific novelty of the work lies in the study of the possibility of using glycerol as a solvent for extraction and the selection of optimal conditions for the extraction of glycyrrhizic acid from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra in order to increase the level of extraction of the target substance.

Broadening the Scope of Sapofection: Cationic Peptide-Saponin Conjugates Improve Gene Delivery In Vitro and In Vivo.

Gene therapies represent promising new therapeutic options for a variety of indications. However, despite several approved drugs, its potential remains untapped. For polymeric gene delivery, endosomal escape represents a bottleneck. SO1861, a naturally occurring triterpene saponin with endosomal escape properties isolated from Saponaria officinalis L., has been described as additive agent to enhance transfection efficiency (sapofection). However, the challenge to synchronize the saponin and gene delivery system in vivo imposes limitations. Herein, we address this issue by conjugating SO1861 to a peptide-based gene vector using a pH-sensitive hydrazone linker programmed to release SO1861 at the acidic pH of the endosome. Nanoplexes formulated with SO1861-equipped peptides were investigated for transfection efficiency and tolerability in vitro and in vivo. In all investigated cell lines, SO1861-conjugated nanoplexes have shown superior transfection efficiency and cell viability over supplementation of transfection medium with free SO1861. Targeted SO1861-equipped nanoplexes incorporating a targeting peptide were tested in vitro and in vivo in an aggressively growing neuroblastoma allograft model in mice. Using a suicide gene vector encoding the cytotoxic protein saporin, a slowed tumor growth and improved survival rate were observed for targeted SO1861-equipped nanoplexes compared to vehicle control.

Two new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid saponins from the fruit of Citrullus colocynthis

Two new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid saponins, 2,20β,22β-trihydroxy-16α,23(R)-epoxycucurbita-1,5,24-triene-3,11-dione 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2,20β,22α-trihydroxy-16α,23(S)-epoxycucurbita-1,5,11,24-tetraene-3-one 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) were isolated from the fruit of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Their structures were elucidated by mass spectrometry, IR, 1D, and 2D NMR spectroscopy, etc. Besides, both of the compounds showed significant hepatoprotective activities at 10 μM against paracetamol-induced HepG2 cell damage.