Search Results (1,536)

This study investigated the protective effect of Dai Bai Jie (DBJ) extract against acute alcoholic liver injury (AALI) and elucidated its potential mechanism. The total saponin level in the DBJ extracts was measured using vanillin–chloroform acid colorimetry. To observe the preventive and protective effects of DBJ on AML-12 cells in an ethanol environment, the effective components of DBJ were identified. An alcohol-induced AALI mouse model was used to evaluate the efficacy of DBJ against AALI. For this purpose, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) levels were assessed, liver function indices and oxidative and inflammatory markers were determined, and histopathological examinations were performed. Mechanistic investigations were conducted using RT-qPCR assays and immunohistochemical analysis to determine the protective effects of DBJ. The samples (DBJ-1, DBJ-2, and DBJ-3) were obtained by extracting DBJ with water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol, yielding total saponin contents of 5.35%, 6.64%, and 11.83%, respectively. DBJ-3 was isolated and purified, and its components were identified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). DBJ-3 had the greatest effect on cell viability in an ethanol environment. Moreover, DBJ-3 reduced inflammatory infiltration, liver cell degeneration, and hemorrhage, while increasing ADH and ALDH levels in liver tissues. Additionally, DBJ-3 considerably decreased the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels. DBJ-3 reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. Furthermore, DBJ-3 significantly increased alcohol dehydrogenase 1b (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) expression at the gene and protein levels within alcohol metabolism pathways and reduced the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) gene and protein levels. These findings suggest that DBJ-3 can prevent AALI by enhancing alcohol metabolism via the regulation of ADH1B and ALDH2 and the modulation of the NF-κB pathway to improve antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Full article

Momordica balsamina Linn is a well-known African traditional herb due to its tremendous medicinal and nutritional properties. It is used worldwide for the treatment of different ailments and diseases. In the present study, the phytochemical and antioxidant activity of South African M. balsamina fruit pulp extracts was evaluated. The fruit pulp extracts were obtained by using the serial exhaustive extraction procedure using the solvents hexane, DCM, acetone, and methanol. The resulting extracts were subjected to different standard colorimetric tests for phytochemical analysis. The presence of compounds with antioxidant activity was determined using dot plot and TLC. The DPPH radical scavenging assay, hydrogen peroxide activity, and reducing power assay, coupled with linear regression, were employed to determine the quantity of antioxidants and their IC50. The results for qualitative phytochemical screening have shown that the fruit pulp contains alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids. All the extracts revealed the presence of antioxidant activity in both dot plot and TLC. Acetone extracts (0.279 mg/mL) showed the lowest IC50 compared to the standards gallic acid (0.4 mg/mL) and diosgenin (0.42 mg/mL). These findings confirmed that M. balsamina is very rich in phytochemical compounds and has strong antioxidant potential; therefore, it could be a potential source of drugs which in the future may serve the production of synthetically improved therapeutic agents. Full article

The use of living organisms to treat human by-products, such as residual sludge, has gained interest in the last years. Fungi have been used for bioremediation and improving plant performance in contaminated soils. We investigated the impact of the mycorrhizal fungus (MF) Gigaspora roseae and the saprophytic fungus (SF) Coriolopsis rigida on the survival and growth of Quillaja saponaria seedlings cultivated in a sandy substrate supplemented with residual sludge. Q. saponaria is a sclerophyllous tree endemic to Chile, known for its high content of saponins. We inoculated plants with the MF, the SF, and a combination of both (MF + SF). Following inoculation, varying doses of liquid residual sludge equivalent to 0, 75, and 100% of the substrate’s field capacity were applied. After 11 months, we found a positive influence of the utilized microorganisms on the growth of Q. saponaria. Particularly, inoculation with the SF resulted in higher plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization percentage, and higher enzymatic activity, especially after the application of the sludge. This increase was more evident with higher doses of the applied sludge. These results highlight the potential of combined microorganism and residual sludge application as a sustainable strategy for enhancing plant growth and reducing waste. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) cultivation has become increasingly popular in NW Europe but little is known about the performance of contract-free varieties in this region. In this study, we phenotyped 25 quinoa varieties on a single-plant basis in a field trial in Belgium. In addition, we optimized breeding tools such as NIRS (near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy) to estimate the seed crude protein content and a multiplex PCR set to identify true F₁ progeny from pair crosses. We identified 14 varieties with sufficiently early maturity, 17 varieties with plant height below 150 cm, 21 large-seeded varieties, four varieties with a crude protein content exceeding 15%, and two low-saponin varieties. A variety of seed colors and plant morphological traits was observed. Seed yield was not correlated with maturity, plant height or saponin content, but was negatively correlated with seed crude protein content. NIRS could accurately predict seed crude protein content with a determination coefficient of 0.94. Our multiplex SSR set could correctly identify the paternity in 77% to 97% of progeny, depending on the pair cross. In conclusion, our study identified various contract-free varieties that may be suitable for cultivation in NW Europe. In addition, our study provides valuable phenotypic information and breeding tools that breeders can harness for breeding efforts in NW European quinoa. Full article

Background/Objectives: Averrhoa carambola, or star fruit, is a shrub known for its medicinal properties, especially due to bioactive metabolites identified in its roots and fruit with anti-cancer activity. However, the biological effects of its leaves remain unexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of ethanolic extract from A. carambola leaves on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype lacking specific therapy. Methods: Phytochemical analysis and HPLC profile and additional cell line evaluation employing MDA-MB-231 were carried out. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed that the ethanolic extract was rich in flavonoids, saponins, and steroids, demonstrating an antioxidant capacity of 45%. ¹H NMR analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, terpenes, and glycoside-like compounds. Cell viability assays showed a concentration-dependent decrease in viability, with an IC₅₀ value of 20.89 μg/mL at 48 h. Clonogenic assays indicated significant inhibition of replicative immortality, with only 2.63% survival at 15 μg/mL. Migration, assessed through a wound healing assay, was reduced to 3.06% at 100 μg/mL, with only 16.23% of cells remaining attached. An additive effect was observed when combining lower concentrations of the extract with doxorubicin, indicating potential synergy. Conclusions: These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of A. carambola leaves contains metabolites with anti-cancer activity against TNBC cells, supporting further research into their bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential. Full article

The Italian Carciofo di Paestum (C. scolymus) PGI, an artichoke variety from the Campania region, was investigated for its potential to reuse by-products for food supplements. EtOH:H₂O 50:50 and 75:25 extracts of its leaves were analyzed for phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (TEAC: 1.90 and 1.81 mM of Trolox; DPPH IC₅₀: 106.31 µg/mL and 128.21 µg/mL; FRAP: 1.68 and 1.58 mM FeSO₄/g extract). To further investigate the antioxidant potential, the ability of the two extracts to scavenge reactive species was assessed in Caco-2 cell cultures, showing a dose-dependent antioxidant capacity. To highlight metabolites responsible for the activity, LC-ESI/HRMSMS analysis was achieved, revealing 28 compounds (sesquiterpenes, megastigmanes, quinic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, lignans, triterpenoid saponins, and polar fatty acids), of which structures were determined using 1D- and 2D-NMR analysis. In addition, quantitative determination of caffeoyl, dicaffeoyl, and quinic acid derivatives (CQAs) was performed through LC-ESI/QTrap/MS/MS, highlighting that the most abundant compound was 5-caffeoylquinic acid (6), with values of 9.310 and 7.603 mg/g extract in EtOH:H₂O (75:25) and EtOH:H₂O (50:50), respectively. The analysis showed that extracts were rich in bioactive compounds, suggesting their potential for development into antioxidant-based food supplements that may protect cells from oxidative stress and support overall wellness. Full article

Background and Objective: In Saudi Arabia, numerous plant species with promising medicinal properties are cultivated, widely traded, and commonly utilized in traditional medicine, including fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). This study aimed to comprehensively assess the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial potential of the Saudi cultivar of fenugreek using an integrative approach combining in vitro and in silico methodologies. Methods: A comprehensive investigation was conducted on the ethanol extract of fenugreek seeds, assessing its antibacterial, antifungal, properties. Computational modeling was employed to predict pharmacokinetic behavior and potential toxicity of the identified bioactive compounds. Results: Qalitative phytochemical analysis showed presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, and steroids, while terpenoids were notably absent. GC-MS analysis of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds identified 25 bioactive compounds, with Ethyl methane sulfonate (12.41%) being the predominant component. Other key compounds included n-Hexadecanoic acid, 4-Butyl-2(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3-thiazole, and α-Tocopherol. In silico modeling of fenugreek phytochemicals supported their antibacterial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective potential, with compounds 21 and 24 showing strong binding to key targets like Tyrosyl-tRNA Synthetase (TyrRS) of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Aspartic proteinase from Candida albicans (C. albicans) and human peroxiredoxin 5. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated good oral bioavailability, minimal CYP inhibition, and blood-brain barrier penetration, suggesting potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases. These bioactive compounds, including diosgenin and trigonelline, support fenugreek’s therapeutic promise and warrant further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Conclusion: The Saudi fenugreek cultivar is rich in bioactive compounds with good antibacterial potential. These findings establish a robust foundation for continued pharmacological research on the Saudi cultivar of T. foenum-graecum, highlighting its potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant medicinal value. Full article

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen, particularly in vulnerable populations. Background: No vaccine for the prevention of HMPV is currently licensed, although several subunit vaccines are in development. Saponin-based adjuvant systems (AS), including QS-21, have transformed the field of subunit vaccines by dramatically increasing their potency and efficacy, leading to the development of several licensed vaccines. However, naturally sourced tree bark-extracted QS-21 faces supply and manufacturing challenges, hindering vaccine development. Objective: This study reports on an alternative plant cell culture system for the consistent production of highly pure QS-21. Method: We evaluated the efficacy of cultured plant cell (cpc)-produced QS-21 in a novel HMPV vaccine, formulating a recombinant pre-fusion stabilized HMPV F protein (preF) with cpcQS-21 and a synthetic toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist adjuvant formulation. Results: In mice, TLR4 agonist containing adjuvant formulations with plant cell-produced QS-21 performed equally to licensed adjuvant AS01 containing tree-bark-extracted QS-21 and demonstrated a significant increase in immunogenicity against HMPV preF compared to the unadjuvanted control. Conclusion: Our findings pave the way for a reliable, scalable, and sustainable source of pure QS-21, enabling the development of highly effective HMPV and other vaccines with significant public health impact. Full article

Background: Three herbal extracts (Asparagus racemosus Willd., Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) were mixed with three essential oils (Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Mentha piperita L., and Pimpinella anisum L.) to formulate a product (HEMEO) whose active compounds include saponins and steroids in Asparagus racemosus, known for their anti-inflammatory properties; glycyrrhizin and flavonoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra, which exhibit gastroprotective and antispasmodic effects; menthol in Mentha piperita, contributing with antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties; and anethole and polyphenols in Pimpinella anisum, which modulate intestinal motility and offer antimicrobial activity. Objective: HEMEO was formulated for applications in intestinal motility disorders. Methods: HEMEO was evaluated for spontaneous and induced motility effects in isolated guinea pig ileum, colon, and stomach. Ex vivo experiments were conducted using LabChart software v7.0, and the product’s antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori and its antioxidant effects were assessed through disc diffusion and FRAP assays. The presence of the volatile compounds in the formulation was confirmed by GC-MS analysis; the TPC of HEMEO, determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, was 9.925 ± 0.42 mg GAE/g. Conclusions: HEMEO showed a phenolic content correlated with its antioxidant potential and in addition inhibited H. pylori growth and demonstrated notable antioxidant properties, suggesting its role as a supportive agent in digestive processes and in managing motility disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine, both human and veterinary, throughout Africa for its many properties, including antiparasitic properties. This experimental study aims to optimize the extraction conditions of the seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca Del. Methods: Aqueous maceration was carried out with mass-to-volume ratios of 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% and 5% and extraction times of 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. Extraction yields, phytochemical screening, saponins assay, antioxidant activities ABTS+ free radical scavenging activities, Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and antiparasitic tests on Heligmosomoides bakeri were used to compare the different extracts. Results: The pharmaco-chemical study generally showed that aqueous maceration gave the best results, with a mass/volume ratio of 10% after 12 h of maceration. The yield obtained was 28.03% with a saponins content of 13.81 mg/g. The antioxidant activities were 4.25 ± 0.17 µg/mL by the ABTS method and 0.739 µg/mL by the FRAP method. The larvicidal activity also showed that the 10% 12 h extract produced 100% larval mortality from 25 µg/mL. Conclusions: These data provide a basis for guiding the extraction process parameters in producing this antiparasitic phytomedicine. Full article

This study aims to reveal the interannual and seasonal variations in functional components in Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua. rhizomes and evaluate whether the variations significantly affect the quality of rhizomes as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The interannual and seasonal variations in total flavonoid content and total saponin content were analyzed. The global dynamic variation in secondary metabolites in the rhizomes during a five-year growth period and in two traditional harvesting seasons were investigated based on metabolomics method. Results clearly showed that the functional components in P. cyrtonema rhizomes exhibited a significant increase in accumulation during the one- to four-year growth period and a significant decrease in accumulation during the four- to five-year growth period. The most active accumulation occurred during the three- to four-year growth period. Drastic variations in functional components occurred from spring to autumn. The significant interannual variation and drastic seasonal variation were strongly associated with the enrichment in some pathways related to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and the metabolisms of amino acids. The interannual and seasonal variations in functional components significantly affected the quality of P. cyrtonema rhizomes. The four-year-old rhizomes had the most superior quality due to their higher content of functional components and much more newly formed components. The rhizomes harvested in spring or autumn had unequal quality because of their significant differences in composition and content of functional components. Specifically, the rhizomes from spring contained more flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, while those from autumn comprised more steroids. In conclusion, this study reveals that the interannual and seasonal variations in functional components can significantly affect the quality of P. cyrtonema rhizomes as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. This study provides foundational insights and theoretical guidance for determining an optimal cultivation period to obtain medicinal rhizomes with superior quality. It also offers a strategy for harvesting medicinal rhizomes in two different seasons to achieve unequal quality. Full article

This research investigated the inhibition of *Escherichia coli* ATCC 25922 (E. coli) bacterial growth in situ, specifically on the stems and aerial parts of *Agastache mexicana* subsp. mexicana (Amm) or “purple toronjil” and on food-grade paper, both contained within Kraft paper bags with a plastic window. The qualitative phytochemical profile of an aqueous extract of Amm revealed the presence of various compounds including alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenes, and sterols. The results indicate that these secondary metabolites exhibit a synergistic bactericidal effect, especially when combined with temperature and starvation stress. This was quantified using a decay equation referred to as the bacterial growth inhibition profile of E. coli (BGIPEc). Calculations, which included first derivatives, gradients based on substrate effects and temperature as well as the area under the curve of BGIPEc, demonstrated that higher temperatures led to the greater inhibition of colony forming units (CFUs), further enhanced by the presence of secondary metabolites. Additionally, a shorter half-life corresponded to a faster change rate and a lower area under the curve, indicating a reduced survival rate over time. At lower temperatures, E. coli exhibited a survival effect, which was corroborated by the preceding calculations. Full article

Transforming agri-food wastes into valuable products is crucial due to their significant environmental impact, when discarded, including energy consumption, water use, and carbon emissions. This review aims to explore the current research on the recovery of bioactive molecules with antimicrobial properties from agri-food waste and by-products, and discusses future opportunities for promoting a circular economy in its production and processing. Mainly, antibacterial molecules extracted from agri-food wastes are phenolic compounds, essential oils, and saponins. Their extraction and antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of bacteria is analyzed in depth. Also, their possible mechanisms of activity are described and classified based on their effect on bacteria, such as the (i) alteration of the cell membrane, (ii) inhibition of energy metabolism and DNA synthesis, and iii) disruption of quorum sensing and biofilm formation. These bioactive molecules have a wide range of possible applications ranging from cosmetics to food packaging. However, despite their potential, the amount of wastes transformed into valuable compounds is very low, due to the high costs relating to their extraction, technical challenges in managing supply chain complexity, limited infrastructure, policy and regulatory barriers, and public perception. For these reasons, further research is needed to develop cost-effective, scalable technologies for biomass valorization. Full article

Saponins are a diverse class of secondary metabolites that are often reported to exhibit a variety of pharmacological applications. While research into the elucidation and application of plant and class Holothuroidea-derived saponins (i.e., sea cucumbers) is extensive, the class Asteroidea-derived saponins (i.e., seastars) have been largely overlooked and primarily limited to elucidation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the cytotoxic activities of asteroid-derived saponins against various cell cultures, for instance, mammalian erythrocytes, multiple microbial strains and cancer cell lines, including melanoma, breast, colon, and lung cancers. Highlighting the distinct structural variations in these saponins, this review examines their selective cytotoxicity and potency, with many demonstrating IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range. Specific compounds, such as asterosaponins and polyhydroxylated saponins, exhibit noteworthy effects, particularly against melanoma and lung carcinoma cells, while triterpenoid saponins were found to be highly cytotoxic to both erythrocytes and fungal cells. This review also addresses gaps in the research area, including the need for additional in vitro antimicrobial studies, in vivo studies, and further exploration of their mechanisms of action. By consolidating recent findings, we have shed light on the therapeutic potential of asteroid-derived steroidal saponins in developing novel antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Full article

Three new triterpene glycosides were isolated from Deutzia x hybrida “Strawberry Fields” cultivar via aqueous–ethanolic extraction of the roots, including one derivative of sumaresinolic acid and two of echinocystic acid: 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosylsumaresinolic acid 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl ester, 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosylechinocystic acid 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl ester, and 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucuronopyranosylechinocystic acid 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl ester. As none of the isolated saponins were previously documented in the literature, their structural elucidation required extensive 1D and homo- and heteronuclear 2D NMR spectroscopy, as well as mass spectrometry analysis. All three glycosides were tested for their stimulatory activity of the sweet taste receptor TAS1R2/TAS1R3. It is the first chemical and biological investigation of Deutzia x hybrida “Strawberry Fields” as well as the first report of sumaresinolic acid glycosides in Deutzia genus. Full article