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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Antiyeast steroidal saponins from Yucca schidigera (Mohave yucca), a new anti-food-deteriorating agent.

A saponin fraction from the stems of Yucca schidigera (Mohave yucca) exhibited potent growth-inhibitory activities against certain food-deteriorating yeasts, film-forming yeasts, and dermatophytic yeasts and fungi. From this fraction, a number of new anti-yeast monodesmosidic spirostanol saponins, named schidigera-saponins A1 (1), A2 (2), A3 (3), B1 (4), C1 (5),C2 (6); 25(R and S) schidigera-saponins D1 (7), D2 (8), E1 (12), F1 (13); and 25(S) schidigera-saponins D3 (9), D4 (10), D5 (11), and F2 (14) were isolated, together with several related known saponins, and the structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (see Chart 1). The relationship between the antiyeast activities and the structures of these saponins is described.

Animals↗

Protective effects of red ginseng saponins against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats.

The protective effects of red ginseng saponins against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity were investigated in male Sprague Dawley rats. The total saponins of red ginseng standardized on ginsenosides-Rb1, -Rb2, -Rc, -Rd, -Re, and -Rg1 were used in the present study. The rats were administered the standardized saponins of red ginseng orally at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days, followed by an administration of carbon tetrachloride at 0.4 ml/kg in corn oil intraperitoneally for 24 h. The administration of saponin changed neither body and organ weights nor hematological and serum clinical parameters. The elevation of SGPT and SGOT activities induced by carbon tetrachloride was partially recovered by the administration of the saponin. The liver vacuolization and lymphoid cell aggregation by carbon tetrachloride were clearly recovered by the red ginseng saponins as examined histologically. The present results indicated that the standardized saponins of red ginseng used in these studies may partially recover the hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in male Sprague Dawley rats.

Animals↗

Prevention of hydrogen peroxide damage by soybean saponins to mouse fibroblasts.

Soybean saponin is one of several soybean glycosides. Recently, new soybean saponins which possess the DDMP (2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran-4-one) moiety have been detected. Soyasaponin beta g of these new soybean saponins was shown to inhibit hydrogen peroxide damage to mouse fibroblast cells. Not only the new saponin but also soyasaponin I, which has lost the DDMP moiety from soyasaponin beta g, was tested and showed higher inhibition in this assay. In order to investigate the relationship between the effect and chemical structure, glycyrrhizin, which has a similar chemical structure to soyasaponin I, was also tested and exhibited the same effect as soyasaponins beta g and I. Soyasaponin Ab, a major authentic bisdesmosidic saponin that exists only in the soybean hypocotyl, was also tested and exhibited the highest inhibition of hydrogen peroxide damage among the four saponins. It was concluded that water-soluble soybean saponins protected the cells from damage by hydrogen peroxide.

Animals↗

The effect of Gypsophila saponins in the diet on mineral status and plasma cholesterol concentration in the rat.

1. Immature, male Wistar rats were allocated to one of six groups and caged individually. The first group was given a semi-synthetic diet containing 38 mg iron and 55 mg zinc/kg (basal group). The second and third groups were given a diet containing 10 mg Zn and 12 mg Fe/kg respectively (low-Zn and low-Fe groups). Groups four, five and six were given similar diets containing 20 g Gypsophila saponins/kg. After 21 d the Fe and Zn status of the rats was estimated and plasma cholesterol concentration determined. 2. Measurements of whole blood haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and liver Fe stores indicated that rats in the basal + saponin and low-Fe + saponin groups had a significantly reduced Fe status when compared with their controls. Rats in the low-Zn + saponin group also showed a trend toward reduced Fe stores. 3. Zn status, as judged by femur Zn concentration, was not adversely affected by the inclusion of Gypsophila saponins in the diet. 4. Consumption of the saponins resulted in a significant reduction in blood cholesterol concentration, with rats in both the low-Fe groups having significantly lower concentrations than their basal and low-Zn counterparts. 5. In view of suggestions that the consumption of saponins should be encouraged because of their ability to lower blood cholesterol, possible effects on Fe metabolism should be investigated further, particularly with respect to the levels and sources of saponin in the human diet.

Animals↗

Effect of soya bean saponins on azoxymethane-induced preneoplastic lesions in the colon of mice.

The effect of saponins isolated from soya bean flour on the incidence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in the colonic wall of CF1 mice was investigated. Four weekly injections of AOM, a known colon carcinogen, were administered to mice. One week after the last injection, mice were placed on an AIN-76 diet supplemented with 3% soya bean saponins or continued on the basal AIN-76 diet. Another group of mice was placed on the saponin diet without AOM initiation to observe the effect of saponins on the growth characteristics of mice. Dietary intake of soya saponins significantly reduced the incidence of ACF at the end of 14 weeks (postinitiation). Noninitiated mice maintained on a similar soya bean saponin-supplemented diet did not show any adverse effects on the growth and overall health of the animals. These findings suggest that soya bean saponins can play an important role in inhibiting the incidence of ACF in the colon of mice.

Animals↗

Saponins from platycodi radix ameliorate high fat diet-induced obesity in mice.

We examined the effects of crude saponins isolated from Platycodi radix on the degree on fat storage induced in mice by feeding a high fat diet for 9 wk. We reported previously that feeding mice a high fat diet for a longer time caused obesity and fatty liver compared with those fed a low fat diet, nonpurified diet. Feeding a high fat diet containing 10 or 30 g/kg crude saponins prevented the body and parametrial adipose tissue weight increases and hepatic steatosis of mice fed the high fat diet alone. Furthermore, crude saponins (375 mg/kg) inhibited the elevations in blood triacylglycerol in rats orally administered a lipid emulsion compared with that of rats given the lipid emulsion alone. Previously, we reported that crude saponins inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. To identify the active substance(s) of crude saponins, we examined the effects of purified platycodin D, the primary saponin in the crude mixture, on pancreatic lipase activity and on the blood triacylglycerol elevation in rats administered the oral lipid emulsion tolerance test. Platycodin D (0.5 and 1.0 g/L) inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in vitro and at a dose of 244 mg/kg, inhibited the elevation of blood triacylglycerol. Therefore, the antiobesity effect of the crude saponins in mice fed a high fat diet may be due to the inhibition of intestinal absorption of dietary fat by platycodin D.

Animals↗

Inhibitory effect of glycosides like saponin from soybean on the infectivity of HIV in vitro.

Soybean saponins isolated from soybean seeds were investigated for their antiviral activity on HIV in vitro, using an HTLV-I-carrying cell line, MT-4. Saponin B1 completely inhibited HIV-induced cytopathic effects and virus-specific antigen expression 6 days after infection at concentrations greater than 0.5 mg/ml. Saponin B2 also inhibited HIV infection, although less potently. Both saponin B1 and B2 had no direct effect on the reverse transcriptase activity of HIV. Saponin B1 also inhibited HIV-induced cell fusion in the MOLT-4 cell system. The results of this study suggest that soybean saponins, especially saponin B1, have inhibitory activity against HIV infection.

Antiviral Agents↗

Host range of a plant pathogenic fungus determined by a saponin detoxifying enzyme.

Antifungal saponins occur in many plant species and may provide a preformed chemical barrier to attack by phytopathogenic fungi. Some fungal pathogens can enzymatically detoxify host plant saponins, which suggests that saponin detoxification may determine the host range of these fungi. A gene encoding a saponin detoxifying enzyme was cloned from the cereal-infecting fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis. Fungal mutants generated by targeted gene disruption were no longer able to infect the saponin-containing host oats but retained full pathogenicity to wheat (which does not contain saponins). Thus, the ability of a phytopathogenic fungus to detoxify a plant saponin can determine its host range.

Ascomycota↗

Adjuvant activity of saponin: antigen localization studies.

The adjuvant saponin potentiates the antibody response of mice to the antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Studies using 125I-labelled KLH show that saponin significantly prolongs the retention of antigen at the subcutaneous injection site and also increases the amount reaching the spleen. Both these phenomena were associated with the inflammatory response to saponin and were markedly reduced following abolition of the inflammatory action of saponin by addition of cholesterol-containing liposomes. The adjuvant action of saponin was not modified by this treatment. Further evidence that neither antigen retention nor splenic localization is implicated in the adjuvant action of saponin for KLH is the demonstration that digitonin, which shares hemolytic and cholesterol binding activity with saponin, caused similar antigen retention and splenic localization but was not adjuvant active.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Immunoperoxidase localization of albumin and fibrinogen in rat liver fixed by perfusion or immersion: effect of saponin on the intracellular penetration of labeled antibodies.

Immunoperoxidase localization of albumin and fibrinogen in rat liver was tested with perfusion or immersion fixation and saponin as a membrane permeabilizing agent. The distribution of albumin- or fibrinogen-containing hepatocytes was examined by light microscopy. Labeled antibody penetration was assessed by electron microscopy on transversely cut cryostat sections. Paraformaldehyde liver fixation by perfusion, followed by incubation of the sections with labeled antibodies together with saponin, demonstrated that albumin and fibrinogen were present in all hepatocytes; mainly in the Golgi apparatus and rarely in the endoplasmic reticulum, the ultrathin sections being labeled throughout their entire thickness. A constant labeling of the endoplasmic reticulum was obtained when saponin was added from the beginning of fixation. In the absence of saponin, albumin was seen in most of the hepatocytes but only at the periphery of the transverse sections, in a few Golgi apparatus, and in some parts of the endoplasmic reticulum; under this condition, fibrinogen was not visualized in the hepatocytes. Paraformaldehyde liver fixation by immersion showed the presence of albumin or fibrinogen in a few hepatocytes only, with irregular labeled antibody penetration. The use of saponin did not improve albumin and fibrinogen localization, except when the liver was poorly fixed. These results show that liver fixation by perfusion gives a homogeneous labeling of all the hepatocytes, whereas fixation by immersion leads to a heterogeneous labeling. Satisfactory results are obtained with saponin, which must be used to improve the penetration of labeled antibodies when the liver is fixed by perfusion. Saponin does not work when immersion is employed, at least under the conditions tested.

Albumins↗

Inhibitory effect of tumor metastasis in mice by saponins, ginsenoside-Rb2, 20(R)- and 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3, of red ginseng.

We examined the inhibitory effect of two saponin preparations from Red ginseng, 20(R)- and 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3, in comparison with that of ginsenoside-Rb2, on lung metastasis produced by two highly metastatic tumor cells, B16-BL6 melanoma and colon 26-M3.1 carcinoma, in syngeneic mice. In an in vitro analysis, both saponin preparations showed a significant inhibition of adhesion to fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LM) by B16-BL6 melanoma. Similarly, they significantly inhibited the invasion of B16-BL6 cells into the reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel)/FN in a dose-dependent manner. In an experimental metastasis model using B16-BL6 melanoma, consecutive intravenous (i.v.) administrations of 100 micrograms/mouse of 20(R)- or 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3 1, 2, 3 and 4 d after tumor inoculation led to a significant decrease in lung metastasis. The inhibitory effect of i.v. administration of both ginseng saponins on the tumor metastasis of B16-BL6 melanoma was also recognized in a low dose of 10 micrograms/mouse. The oral administration (p.o.) of both saponins (100-1000 micrograms/mouse) induced a significant decrease in lung metastasis of B16-BL6 melanoma. Moreover, both ginseng saponins were effective in inhibiting of lung metastasis produced by colon 26-M3.1 carcinoma. When 20(R)- or 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3 was orally administered consecutively after tumor inoculation in a spontaneous metastasis model using B16-BL6 melanoma, both of them significantly inhibited lung metastasis. In the experiment involving neovasculization by tumor cells in vivo, both mice groups given each saponin preparation after tumor inoculation exhibited a significant decrease in the number of blood vessels oriented toward the tumor mass, with no repression of tumor size. These findings suggest that both ginseng saponins, 20(R)- and 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3, possess an ability to inhibit the lung metastasis of tumor cells, and the mechanism of their antimetastatic effect is related to inhibition of the adhesion and invasion of tumor cells, and also to anti-angiogenesis activity.

Animals↗

Saponins of plants of Panax species collected in Central Nepal, and their chemotaxonomical significance. III.

Panax pseudo-ginseng subsp. pseudo-ginseng has a carrot like root with a small rhizome. It was shown that the saponin composition of roots and rhizomes of this subspecies collected in Tibet and China was extremely poor. From the roots and rhizomes collected in Central Nepal, (specimen-PNct), only a small amount of an oleanolic acid saponin, beta-D-glucopyranosyl-oleanolate (2) was isolated together with a polyacetylene-alcohol, panaxynol (3). In another specimen (specimen-PNs), also collected in Central Nepal, two oleanolic acid saponins, stipleanoside R2 (4) and chikusetsusaponin IV (5) were detected. No dammarane saponin was identified in either specimen. P. pseudo-ginseng subsp. himalaicus (Subsp-H) has a big rhizome with a small round root. From rhizomes and roots of this subsp. collected in Central Nepal (specimen-HNct), a fairly large amount of dammarane saponins, ginsenosides-Rb1 (6), -Rd (7), -Re (9) and -Rg1 (10), gypenoside XVII (8), notoginsenoside-R1 (11), majonoside-R2 (12) and pseudo-ginsenoside-F11 (13) were isolated, while no oleanane saponin (oleanolic acid saponin) was identified in this subsp. Based on the present and previous studies, medicinal evaluation and chemogeographical correlation of Himalayan Panax spp. are discussed.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

[Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions of tea-leaf saponin].

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions of tea-leaf saponin, which was a mixture of saponin separated from leaves of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, were investigated. Tea-leaf saponin showed relatively high antimicrobial activity against pathogenic dermal fungi and its MIC value for Microsporum audouinii was 10 microgam/ml. On the other hand, tea-leaf saponin inhibited rat paw edema induced by carrageenin in a dose dependent manner. Activation of hyaluronidase, one of the enzymes involved in inflammatory reactions, was inhibited by tea-leaf saponin. It was also found that tea-leaf saponin antagonized the action of leukotrien D4, one of the chemical mediators of inflammatory reactions. Any symptom of toxic reaction was not observed when tea-leaf saponin was administered orally to mice at a dose of 2000 mg/kg.

Animals↗

[Effect of tea-leaf saponin on blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats].

The antihypertensive effect of tea-leaf saponin (the saponin mixture isolated from leaves of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis) was examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Tea-leaf saponin reduced a time-dependent increase in blood pressure dose-dependently when it was administered orally to young SHR (7 weeks old) for 5 d. Oral administration of tea-leaf saponin to elder SHR (15 weeks old) for 5 d decreased the mean blood pressure by 29.2 mmHg at the dose of 100mg/kg compared to the control group. Single administration of tea-leaf saponin at 50mg/kg, p.o. showed a long-lasting hypotensive effect and this effect was as potent as that of enalapril maleate at the dose of 3 mg/kg, p.o. Tea-leaf saponin inhibited angiotensin I-induced contraction of the isolated guinea pig ileum in a dose dependent manner but little depressed angiotensin II-induced contraction. On the other hand, in in vitro experiment using a synthetic peptide as a substrate, tea-leaf saponin showed almost no inhibitory activity against the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) (IC50 > 10 mg/ml).

Angiotensin I↗

Saponins from Swartzia langsdorffii: biological activities.

The presence of saponins and the molluscicidal activity of the roots, leaves, seeds and fruits of Swartzia langsdorffii Raddi (Leguminosae) against Biomphalaria glabrata adults and eggs were investigated. The roots, seeds and fruits were macerated in 95% ethanol. These extracts exerted a significant molluscicidal activity against B. glabrata, up to a dilution of 100 mg/l. Four mixtures (A2, B2, C and D) of triterpenoid oleanane type saponins were chromatographically isolated from the seed and fruit extracts. Two known saponins (1 and 2) were identified as beta-D-glucopyranosyl-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1->3)- beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1->3)]-3beta-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28 -oate, and beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->3)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1 ->3)]-3beta-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oate, respectively. These two saponins were present in all the mixtures, together with other triterpenoid oleane type saponins, which were shown to be less polar, by reversed-phase HPLC. The saponin identifications were based on spectral evidence, including H- H two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy, nuclear Overhauser and exchange spectroscopy, heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence, and heteronuclear multiple-bond connectivity experiments. The toxicity of S. langsdorffii saponins to non-target organisms was prescreened by the brine shrimp lethality test.

Animals↗

Alteration of fermentation in continuous culture of mixed rumen bacteria by isolated alfalfa saponins.

Saponins isolated from alfalfa by ethanol extraction and acid hydrolysis were incorporated into protein-free purified diets at 0, .5, 1, 2, and 4% of dietary dry matter to investigate the effect of saponins on fermentation by mixed rumen bacteria maintained in continuous culture. Inoculum was obtained from a lactating dairy cow fed alfalfa hay and a 13% crude protein grain mixture with forage to grain ratios of 33:67, 67:33, or 100:0. Outflow of microbial protein was lower in fermenters fed purified diet containing 1% saponins. Accumulation of ammonia was observed in fermenters fed purified diets containing alfalfa saponins. Total volatile fatty acid production was reduced by addition of isolated alfalfa saponin fraction at .5, 1, 2, and 4% concentrations. Acetate to propionate ratios were reduced from 1.93 in control to 1.37 in fermenters with 1% saponins. Extent of change in fermentation was not proportional to the concentration of added saponins.

Animals↗

Effects of saponins from Herniaria glabra on blood pressure and renal function in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Experiments were performed on male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats weighing 310-340 g (10 animals per group). The oral administration of 200 mg/kg/day of saponins from Herniaria glabra for 30 days, resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly and respectively from 187.60 +/- 20.63/119.00 +/- 7.09 mmHg at day 0 (D0) to 141.60 +/- 7.51/90.40 +/- 7.68 mmHg at day 30 (D30), p < 0.001 (vs. 186.30 +/- 11.27/114.10 +/- 12.00 mm Hg at D0 to 154.50 +/- 6.38/132.3 +/- 7.68 mmHg at D30 in furosemide-treated group, p < 0.001). Control animals receiving placebo did not show any significant variation in the mean arterial pressure. The effect of saponins of Herniaria glabra on renal function was evaluated in spontaneously hypertensive rats using clearance techniques. Glomerular filtration rate was constant in the control rats and increased significantly in the hypertensive rats after saponins treatment (5.55 +/- 0.32 vs. 6.03 +/- 0.43 ml.min-1.kg-1 in the control (C) and saponins (S) groups, respectively, p < 0.05). Saponins administration provoked an increase in urinary flow (59.38 +/- 5.85 ml.kg-1.24 h-1 vs. 36.92 +/- 5.17 ml.kg-1.24 h-1, p < 0.001). Saponins also increased potassium excretion (6.89 +/- 0.81 mmol.kg-1.24 h-1 vs. 5.40 +/- 0.51 mmol.kg-1.24 h-1, p < 0.001) and sodium excretion (10.74 +/- 1.21 mmol.kg-1.24 h-1 vs. 7.25 +/- 0.54 mmol.kg-1.24 h-1, p < 0.001) as well as chloride excretion (13.59 +/- 1.04 mmol. kg-1.24 h-1 vs. 9.67 +/- 0.77 mmol.kg-1.24 h-1, p < 0.001). It is concluded that chronic oral administration of saponins from Herniaria glabra decreased the arterial blood pressure and affected salt and water transport in renal tubules.

Animals↗

Cytotoxic activity of saponins from Camassia leichtlinii against human oral tumor cell lines.

Five steroidal saponins from Camassia leichtlinii showed higher cytotoxicity against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells HSC-2, as compared to normal human gingival fibroblasts HGF. The tumor specificity of saponins varied considerably from sample to sample, but was generally higher than that of tannins, flavonoids and prenylated compounds such as geranylgeraniol and vitamin K2 (MK-2). Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the saponins failed to induce internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, but produced large DNA fragments in HSC-2 cells, whereas two saponin samples (compounds 1 and 5) induced internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. In contrast to epigallocatechin gallate or gallic acid, the cytotoxic activity of saponins was not significantly affected by metals (Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+) or by antioxidants (sodium ascorbate, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, catalase). Furthermore, the saponins did not produce radicals (detected by ESR spectroscopy) nor oxidation potential (measured by NO monitor). These data suggest that an oxidation-mediated mechanism is not involved in the cytotoxicity induced by the steroidal saponins.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗