Foam properties and detergent abilities of the saponins from Camellia oleifera

Hair Care Cosmetics: From Traditional Shampoo to Solid Clay and Herbal Shampoo, A Review

Hair is an important part of the body appeal and its look is a health indicator. Accordingly, recent advances in hair science and hair care technologies have been reported in literature claiming innovations and strategies for hair treatments and cosmetic products. The treatment of hair and scalp, primarily, involved the use of shampoo for an effective, but gentle cleansing; however, for years, the shampoo is considered not only as a cosmetic product having the purifying purpose, but it is also responsible for maintaining the health and the beauty of hair, imparting gloss and improving manageability. For meeting the needs of a multitasking formulation, following also the recent marketing-trend addressed to the "natural world", new challenges for cosmetic technology are aimed towards the research of natural ingredients, as well as new techniques for shampoo formulation. Regarding the recent development of solid shampoos, little information is available about their use, formulation and advantages. This review is largely focused on the description of solid shampoos, mainly based on the use of clays, herbs or flours as washing bases alternative to the traditional ones, consisting of a combination of synthetic surfactants, together with other usual ingredients expected in a shampoo formulation.

Oleiferasaponin A₂, a Novel Saponin from Camellia oleifera Abel. Seeds, Inhibits Lipid Accumulation of HepG2 Cells Through Regulating Fatty Acid Metabolism

A new triterpenoid saponin, named oleiferasaponin A₂, was isolated and identified from Camellia oleifera defatted seeds. Oleiferasaponin A₂ exhibited anti-hyperlipidemic activity on HepG2 cell lines. Further study of the hypolipidemic mechanism showed that oleiferasaponin A₂ inhibited fatty acid synthesis by significantly down-regulating the expression of SREBP-1c, FAS and FAS protein, while dramatically promoting fatty acid β-oxidation by up-regulating the expression of ACOX-1, CPT-1 and ACOX-1 protein. Our results demonstrate that the oleiferasaponin A₂ possesses potential medicinal value for hyperlipidemia treatment.

Green Tea Seed Isolated Saponins Exerts Antibacterial Effects against Various Strains of Gram Positive and Gram Negative Bacteria, a Comprehensive Study In Vitro and In Vivo

Bacteria are one of the major causes of severe infections and diseases of plants and animals. Salmonella are crucially important due to infection in poultry leading to huge economical loses. Due to high cost and microbial resistance to the currently available chemical antibiotics, demand of screening natural products with antibiotics effects is increased. Plants are rich sources of natural bioactive compounds with antibiotic effects. Saponins are natural compounds of plant sources having a diverse range of applications. In present study we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of green tea seed extracted saponins. Green tea seeds crude extract was prepared in 70% ethanol by continuous reflux in heating mantel for 5 hours. Crude saponins were extracted from the crude ethanolic extract of green tea seed by column chromatography using macroporous resin (D101). Saponin mixture in fraction 1 (Fr1) was obtained from crude saponins extract via column chromatography. Fr2 and Fr3 were isolated from saponins mixture by preparative HPLC. Antibacterial activities of the isolated saponins fractions were investigated against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Streptococcus aureus (ATCC 12600), and six serovars of Salmonella. In vitro antibacterial activities were determined by disc-diffusion method and growth inhibition in liquid culture using 96-well plate. Results showed that the green tea isolated saponins fractions possess antibacterial effects in the following order Fr1>Fr2>Fr3. Antibacterial mechanism of saponins was elucidated by cell wall and membrane damaging potential of saponins determined by measuring AKP and soluble proteins levels. Fr1 was further used for in vivo antibacterial activities. Five-week grown chickens were selected for in vivo work, divided into three groups as control, infected, and treatment groups. Infected and treatment groups chickens were infected with bacteria and only treatment group chickens were treated with saponins. The qRT- PCR analysis of the blood and feces samples of the different groups' animals shows the presence of bacteria only in infected group while reduced expression levels of the bacterial pathogens were found in the samples of treatment group. Our results demonstrated that the green tea seed saponins used in this study possess strong antibacterial activities.

Butylbenzene and tert-Butylbenzene-Sorption on Sand Particles and Biodegradation in the Presence of Plant Natural Surfactants

The effects of hydrocarbons sorption on sand and saponins presence in the system on butylbenzene and tert-butylbenzene biological degradation was investigated. Additionally, the impact of saponins-containing plant extracts on environmental microorganisms was studied. Results of cell surface property measurements in samples with saponins only revealed changes in cell surface hydrophobicity, electrokinetic potential and membrane permeability when compared to corresponding values for glucose-grown microbes. Subsequently, in sorption experiments, the hydrocarbon adsorption kinetics in bacteria-free samples were better explained with the pseudo-second order kinetic model as compared to the pseudo-first order and intraparticular diffusion models. Moreover, the equilibrium data fitted better to the Freundlich isotherm for both benzene derivatives. In the samples combining hydrocarbons sorption and biological degradation in the presence of saponins, alkane-substituted hydrocarbons removal was accelerated from 40% to 90% after 14 days and the best surfactant in this aspect was S. officinalis extract.

Co-expression of protease and pectinase in Bacillus subtilis using the herbal saponin extract as substrate

This study armed to determine the expression of protease and pectinase in Bacillus subtilis using the herbal saponin extract as the fermentation substrates and then characterize the fermentation broths. The saponin concentration in the crude extract from four herbs reached to 25% under the extraction conditions of 60 °C, with a pH 9 for 3 h at a solid-liquid ratio of 1:18. In direct fermentation of Bacillus subtilis in the saponin extract, the maximum activities of protease and pectinase in the cell supernatant reached 3984 and 227 U/ml, respectively. Correspondingly, when 5% glucose was added to this extract for the fermentation, the two maximum activities were up to 2451 and 1390 U/ml, respectively. When characterization of the two abovementioned fermentation broths was carried out, it was observed that the luminousness values were increased to 26.9 and 39.2% from 9.7% of the initial value after 32 h of fermentation, respectively, and there was no significant change in the saponin concentration during the fermentation processes. The evaluation values of washing performance were remarkably improved by 8.2 and 21.7%, respectively.

Increased cytotoxic potential of infrequent triterpenoid saponins of Cephalaria taurica obtained through alkaline hydrolysis

Phytochemical investigations of the aerial parts of the plant Cephalaria taurica Szabó. (Caprifoliaceae) have resulted in the isolation of nine oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, of which two still remain undescribed. The structures of tauricosides A and B were characterized based on NMR analysis, HRESIMS spectrometry, and chemical evaluations. The saponins tauricosides A and B have been rarely reported in the literature due to the presence of eight sugar moieties, and this is also the first report of saponins containing eight sugar moieties in the Caprifoliaceae family. The cytotoxic activities of tauricosides A and B, their undescribed prosapogenins, aglycone hederagenin, and n-butanol extract of C. taurica against the cancerous cells A-549, HeLa, PANC-1, and SH-SY5Y and the noncancerous HEK-293 cells were evaluated by the MTT method. Although tauricosides A and B and the crude n-butanol extract did not exhibit any activity at the tested concentrations on all the tested cells, after alkaline hydrolysis, the cytotoxic activity potential of the compounds was obviously improved. The most active compound, obtained after the alkaline hydrolysis of tauricoside B, showed a significant inhibitory effect, which was higher than that of the standard, commercially available drug doxorubicin, on the cancerous A-549, HeLa, PANC-1, and SH-SY5Y cells with IC₅₀ values of 9.04, 8.75, 6.87, and 4.32 μM, respectively. In addition, prosapogenin, obtained after the alkaline hydrolysis of tauricoside A, exhibited considerable cytotoxic activity on the cancerous A-549, HeLa, PANC-1, and SH-SY5Y cells, with IC₅₀ values of 13.19, 10.32, 11.91, and 7.49 μM, respectively. In conclusion, the alkaline hydrolysis of the saponins (tauricosides A and B) obviously improved their cytotoxic activity potential.

Therapeutic effects of balanitoside in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of balanitoside in diabetic rats.

METHODS

Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups. Rats in groups 2 to 5 were treated with streptozotocin to induce hyperglycemia. In addition, rats in groups 1 and 2 received 1 mL of distilled water, whereas those in groups 3, 4, and 5 received 10 and 20 mg/kg balanitoside and 6 U/kg insulin, respectively, for 14 days. All rats were sacrificed on day 15, blood samples were collected, and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. The liver was processed for examination under a light microscope.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant decrease in liver protein concentrations in diabetic control rats, compared to those in the normal control rats and rats treated with 10 mg/kg balanitoside (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ALP levels among all groups. However, a significant increase in ALT and AST levels was observed in the diabetic control rats, compared to those in the normal control rats (p < 0.05). Photomicrographs of the liver of the diabetic control rats showed fat and glycogen droplets, vacuolated nuclei, and loss of cellular boundaries, whereas those of the rats treated with balanitoside or insulin showed a small amount of microvesicular fat droplets and slight infiltration of lymphocytes.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest the therapeutic effects of balanitoside in the liver of diabetic rats.

Saponins and microbial biosurfactants: Potential raw materials for the formulation of cosmetics

The cosmetic industry is currently one of the fasting growing sections of the economy in many countries. The recent tendency toward the use of cosmetics of a natural origin has driven the industry to seek alternatives to synthetic components in the formulation of products. Biosurfactants are natural compounds that have considerable potential for application in the formulation of safe, effective cosmetics as a replacement for commonly used chemical tensioactive agents. The present review provides essential information on the physicochemical and biological properties of saponins and microbial biosurfactants employed in cosmetic products, with a focus on the use of these natural compounds in shampoos, addressing the current state of research and patents involving biosurfactants for this purpose. The challenges and prospects of this cosmetic application are also discussed. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1482-1493, 2018.

Saponins from seeds of Genus Camellia: Phytochemistry and bioactivity

Camellia seeds have been traditionally used as oil raw materials in Asia, and are known for a wide spectrum of applications. Oleanane-type triterpene saponins are the major specialised metabolites in Camellia seeds, and more than seventy saponins have been isolated and characterized. These natural compounds have caught much attention due to their various biological and pharmacological activities, including modulation of gastrointestinal system, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-microorganism, antioxidation, neuroprotection, hypolipidemic effects, foaming and detergence, as well as helping the accumulation of pollutants by plants. These compounds have a promising application in medicine, agriculture, industry and environmental protection. The present paper summarized the information from current publications on Camellia seed saponins, with a focus on the advances made in chemical structures, determination methods, bioactivities and toxicity. We hope this article will stimulate further investigations on these compounds.

Optimisation of saponin extraction conditions with Camellia sinensis var. assamica seed and its application for a natural detergent

BACKGROUND

Camellia sinensis var. assamica seed cake (a by-product of tea-seed oil) is an abundant resource with poor utilisation. C. sinensis var. assamica seed saponin (CSS) is one kind of non-ionic surfactant. In this study, the CSS extraction conditions were optimised by response surface methodology (RSM) and then the CSS detergent was developed. Additionally, the safety and decontamination ability of the developed detergent were evaluated.

RESULTS

The optimised extraction conditions were including the extracting temperature of 40.04 °C, extraction time of 4.97 h, ethanol concentration of 64.11% and liquid-solid ratio of 14.57:1 mL g^-1 . The formula of the CSS detergent was as follows: 20% crude CSS, 0.3% oxidised tea polyphenols (OTPs), 0.2% nisin, 0.3% sodium dehydroacetate, 0.7% sodium alginate and 0.5% sodium polyacrylate. The LD₅₀ of the CSS detergent exceeds 14 g kg^-1 in mice, indicating the detergent was non-toxic. Both of the emulsifying and the pesticide residues removal abilities of the CSS detergent were significantly stronger than the commercial detergent.

CONCLUSION

A natural tea seed saponin detergent with good safety and decontamination ability was successfully developed. This can make better use of the tea seed cake, thereby creating added value in the tea seed oil industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Formulation and Evaluation of Licorice Shampoo in Comparison with Commercial Shampoo

Aim

Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) or licorice with isoflavonoid, flavonoids, and triterpenoid glycosides (saponins) components are highly regarded in the cosmetic industry. This study has been planned as the first project for formulating a new herbal shampoo by utilizing the aqueous extracts of G. glabra.

Materials and Methods

The dried powdered root of G. glabra was extracted with boiled water through percolation method, and the pH was set by ammonia; then it was used with other constituents to formulate the herbal shampoo. The desirability of licorice shampoo was evaluated by physicochemical tests including visual inspection, detergency evaluation, pH assessment, percentage of solid contents, viscosity, foaming volume, and wetting time and compared with a commercial shampoo. Also, the product was checked for microbial control and consumers were asked about the quality of the licorice shampoo.

Results

The licorice shampoo has excellent cleansing ability, acceptable clarity, and viscosity. The volume of created foam and the wetting time were similar to the commercial shampoo. No microbial contamination was observed during the microbial control assessment tests. The licorice shampoo scored well on consumer's poll and was free from complication and also able to obviate hair and scalp problems.

Discussion and Conclusion

The results indicated that the consumers were satisfied with using the formulated licorice shampoo. Licorice shampoo seems to be helpful in obviation of hair problems, but specific investigations are required to prove this claim. The shampoo was safe from microbial contamination and showed acceptable results in physicochemical evaluations. Licorice shampoo could be useful in the treatment of many hair diseases, so further research is needed for discovering the potential of licorice shampoo.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of Camellia oleifera Abel components

Camellia oleifera Abel is a member of Camellia, and its seeds are used to extract Camellia oil, which is generally used as cooking oil in the south of China. Camellia oil consists of unsaturated fatty acids, tea polyphenol, squalene, saponin, carrot element and vitamins, etc. The seed remains after oil extraction of C. oleifera Abel are by-products of oil production, named as Camellia oil cake. Its extracts contain bioactive compounds including sasanquasaponin, flavonoid and tannin. Major components from Camellia oil and its cake have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial and antitumor activities. In this review, we will summarize the latest advance in the studies on anti-inflammatory or antioxidative effects of C. oleifera products, thus providing valuable reference for the future research and development of C. oleifera Abel.

Cytotoxic and Hypoglycemic Activity of Triterpenoid Saponins from Camellia oleifera Abel. Seed Pomace

One new and three known triterpenoid saponins were isolated and identified from Camellia oleifera seeds through IR, NMR, HR-ESI-MS and GC-MS spectroscopic methods, namely oleiferasaponin A₃, oleiferasaponin A₁, camelliasaponin B₁, and camelliasaponin B₂. The structure of oleiferasaponin A₃ was elucidated as 16α-hydroxy-21β-O-angeloyl-22α-O-cinnamoyl-23α-aldehyde-28-dihydroxymethylene-olean-12-ene-3β-O-[β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-gluco-pyranosiduronic acid. Camelliasaponin B₁ and camelliasaponin B₂ exhibited potent cytotoxic activity on three human tumour cell lines (human lung tumour cells (A549), human liver tumour cells (HepG2), cervical tumour cells (Hela)). The hypoglycemic activity of oleiferasaponin A₁ was testified by protecting pancreatic β-cell lines from high-glucose damage.

Transcriptome analysis of the tea oil camellia (Camellia oleifera) reveals candidate drought stress genes

BACKGROUND

The tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera) is the most important oil plant in southern China, and has a strong resistance to drought and barren soil. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance would greatly promote its cultivation and molecular breeding.

RESULTS

In total, we obtained 76,585 unigenes with an average length of 810 bp and an N50 of 1,092 bp. We mapped all the unigenes to the NCBI 'nr' (non-redundant), SwissProt, KEGG, and clusters of orthologous groups (COG) databases, where 52,531 (68.6%) unigenes were functionally annotated. According to the annotation, 46,171 (60.8%) unigenes belong to 338 KEGG pathways. We identified a series of unigenes that are related to the synthesis and regulation of abscisic acid (ABA), the activity of protective enzymes, vitamin B6 metabolism, the metabolism of osmolytes, and pathways related to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. After exposed to drought for 12 hours, the number of differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between treated plants and control plants increased in the G4 cultivar, while there was no significant increase in the drought-tolerant C3 cultivar. DEGs associated with drought stress responsive pathways were identified by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Moreover, we found 789 DEGs related to transcription factors. Finally, according to the results of qRT-PCR, the expression levels of the 20 unigenes tested were consistent with the results of next-generation sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, we identified a large set of cDNA unigenes from C. oleifera annotated using public databases. Further studies of DEGs involved in metabolic pathways related to drought stress and transcription will facilitate the discovery of novel genes involved in resistance to drought stress in this commercially important plant.

Saponins - Self-assembly and behavior at aqueous interfaces

Saponins are interfacially active ingredients in plants consisting of a hydrophobic aglycone structure with hydrophilic sugar residues. Variations in aglycone structure as well as type and amount of sugar residues occur depending on the botanical origin. Saponins are a heterogeneous and broad class of natural substances and therefore the relationship between molecular structure and interfacial properties is complex and, yet, not completely understood. A wide range of research focused either on structural elucidation of saponins or interfacial properties. This review combines recent knowledge on structural features with interfacial properties and draws conclusions on how saponin structure affects interfacial properties. Fundamental understanding on interfacial configuration of individual saponin molecules at the interface distinctly increased. It was shown that interfacial configuration may differ depending on botanical origin and thus structure of the saponins. The formation of strong viscoelastic interfacial films by some saponins was attributed to hydrogen bonds between neighboring sugar residues. Few studies analyzed the relationship between botanical origin and interfacial rheology and derived main conclusions on important structural features. Saponins with a triterpenoid structure are most likely to form viscoelastic films, which result in stable foams and emulsions. The aglycone subtype may also affect interfacial properties as triterpenoid saponins of oleanane type formed most stable interfacial networks. But for more reliable conclusions more saponins from other aglycone subtypes (dammarane, ursolic) have to be analyzed. To-date only extracts from Quillaja saponaria Molina are approved for food products and many studies focused on these extracts. From experiments on interfacial rheology a reasonable model for supramolecular structure of Quillaja saponins was developed. It was further shown that Quillaja saponins may form micelles loaded with hydrophobic substances, nano-emulsions and stable foams. In combination proteins an increase in interfacial film stability may be observed but also negative phenomena like aggregation of oil droplets in emulsions may occur.

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of the Leaves and Stem Essential Oils of Jatropha gossypifolia L

Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the leaves and stem essential oils (EOs) of Jatropha gossypifolia and their efficacies against infectious and oxidative stress diseases were studied in vitro. The EOs obtained using Clevenger modified apparatus were characterized by high resolution GC-MS, while their antioxidant and antibacterial properties were examined by spectrophotometric and agar diffusion techniques, respectively. The EOs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus aureus. The stem essential oil (SEO) was more active than the leaf essential oil (LEO) against test bacteria with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) ranging from 0.025 to 0.05 mg/mL and the LEO from 0.05 to 0.10 mg/mL. The SEO was bactericidal at 0.025 and 0.05 mg/mL against S. aureus and E. faecium, respectively, and the LEO was bacteriostatic against the three bacteria at 0.05 and 0.10 mg/mL. The SEO IC50 (0.07 mg/mL) showed that the antiradical strength was superior to LEO (0.32 mg/mL) and β-carotene (1.62 mg/mL) in scavenging 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH•). The oils effectively reduced three other oxidants to neutral molecules in concentration dependent manner. Findings from this study suggest that, apart from the traditional uses of the plant extracts, the EOs have strong bioactive compounds with noteworthy antibacterial and antiradical properties and may be good candidates in the search for lead compounds for the synthesis of novel potent antibiotics.

Two New Oleanane-Type Saponins with Anti-Proliferative Activity from Camellia oleifera Abel. Seed Cake

Two new oleanane-type saponins, named oleiferasaponins C₄ (1) and C₅ (2), were isolated from Camellia oleifera Abel. seed cake residue. Their respective structures were identified as 16α-hydroxy-22α-O-angeloyl-23α-aldehyde-28-dihydroxymethylene-olean-12-ene-3β-O-[β-d-galacto-pyranosyl-(1→2)]-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-galactopyranosy-(1→3)]-β-d-glucopyranosid-uronic acid methyl ester (1) and 16α-hydroxy-22α-O-angeloyl-23α-aldehyde-28-dihydroxy-methylene-olean-12-ene-3β-O-[β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucopyranosiduronic acid methyl ester (2) through 1D- and 2D-NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and GC-MS spectroscopic methods. The two compounds exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against five human tumor cell lines (BEL-7402, BGC-823, MCF-7, HL-60 and KB).

Extraction of Saponin fromCamellia oleiferaAbel Cake by a Combination Method of Alkali Solution and Acid Isolation

Saponin 15%~20% content in the seed cake ofCamellia oleiferaAbel, from which Camellia oil is squeezed, is a natural nonionic surface active agent and is extensively applied to emulsification, humectation, foaming, medicine, pesticide, and so on. In this paper, the extraction process of saponin was researched through a combining method of alkali solution and acid isolation. A quantitative method for saponin was established by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The influence of extraction factors was investigated by a single-factor test and a response surface methodology. The results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions of saponin were extraction temperature 68°C, alkali solution pH 9.1, acid isolation pH 4.1, and liquid-solid ratio 15.9 : 1. The extraction rate of saponin was 76.12% at the optimal extraction conditions.

The camelliagenin from defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera as antibiotic substitute to treat chicken against infection of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Background

Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are the main pathogens infectious to poultry, and their resistances against antibiotics have become troublesome currently. Biofilm formation is an important reason for drug resistance. Our previous research has found that the extract of Camellia oleifera seeds has lots of pharmacological effects. In order to find the substitute for antibiotics, the saponin was isolated from the defatted C. oleifera seeds with structural identification. Its efficacy was evaluated by the inhibition on amoxicillin-resistant E. coli and erythromycin-resistant S. aureus and therapeutic effect on chicks infected by the two bacteria.

Results

The bacterial growth inhibition rate increased and the bacterial count in vivo decreased significantly in dose dependence after administration of the saponin and its combination with amoxicillin or erythromycin, suggesting its antibacterial effect. The saponin identified as camelliagenin shows significant inhibition on the biofilm of E. coli and S. aureus, and it is related to the decrease of mannitol dehydrogenase (MDH) activity and extracellular DNA (eDNA) content. Molecular simulation reveals the strong interaction existing between the saponin and MDH or eDNA.

Conclusions

The mechanism of camelliagenin’s improvement on antibiotic effects is its interaction with MDH and eDNA in biofilm. The saponin is a prospective substitute of antibiotics, and molecular simulation is a convenient alternative method to find out hopeful candidates of antibiotics substitute.

Antioxidant activity, delayed aging, and reduced amyloid-β toxicity of methanol extracts of tea seed pomace from Camellia tenuifolia

There is a growing interest in the exploitation of the residues generated by plants. This study explored the potential beneficial health effects from the main biowaste, tea seed pomace, produced when tea seed is processed. DPPH radical scavenging and total phenolic content assays were performed to evaluate the in vitro activities of the extracts. Caenorhabditis elegans was used as in vivo model to evaluate the beneficial health effects, including antioxidant activity, delayed aging, and reduced amyloid-β toxicity. Among all soluble fractions obtained from the extracts of tea seed pomace from Camellia tenuifolia, the methanol (MeOH)-soluble fraction has the best in vivo antioxidant activities. The MeOH-soluble extraction was further divided into six fractions by chromatography with a Diaion HP-20 column eluted with water/MeOH, and fraction 3 showed the best in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities. Further analysis in C. elegans showed that the MeOH extract (fraction 3) of tea seed pomace significantly decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species, prolonged C. elegans lifespan, and reduced amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity in transgenic C. elegans expressing human Aβ. Moreover, bioactivity-guided fractionation yielded two potent constituents from fraction 3 of the MeOH extract, namely, kaempferol 3-O-(2″-glucopyranosyl)-rutinoside and kaempferol 3-O-(2″-xylopyranosyl)-rutinoside, and both compounds exhibited excellent in vivo antioxidant activity. Taken together, MeOH extracts of tea seed pomace from C. tenuifolia have multiple beneficial health effects, suggesting that biowaste might be valuable to be explored for further development as nutraceutical products. Furthermore, the reuse of agricultural byproduct tea seed pomace also fulfills the environmental perspective.

Metabolic and functional diversity of saponins, biosynthetic intermediates and semi-synthetic derivatives

Saponins are widely distributed plant natural products with vast structural and functional diversity. They are typically composed of a hydrophobic aglycone, which is extensively decorated with functional groups prior to the addition of hydrophilic sugar moieties, to result in surface-active amphipathic compounds. The saponins are broadly classified as triterpenoids, steroids or steroidal glycoalkaloids, based on the aglycone structure from which they are derived. The saponins and their biosynthetic intermediates display a variety of biological activities of interest to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food sectors. Although their relevance in industrial applications has long been recognized, their role in plants is underexplored. Recent research on modulating native pathway flux in saponin biosynthesis has demonstrated the roles of saponins and their biosynthetic intermediates in plant growth and development. Here, we review the literature on the effects of these molecules on plant physiology, which collectively implicate them in plant primary processes. The industrial uses and potential of saponins are discussed with respect to structure and activity, highlighting the undoubted value of these molecules as therapeutics.

Isolation of the sapogenin from defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera and its neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons

Sasanqua saponin is a major active compound in the defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera but is always discarded without effective utilization. The sapogenin from hydrolysis of sasanqua saponin was purified, and its amination derivative was investigated on its neuroprotective effects, which were evaluated by animal models of Parkinson disease in mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The results showed that the sapogenin and its derivative increased dopamine content in striatum and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive cells in substantia nigra and relieved inflammation and behavioral disorder, but the effect on movement was reversed by dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol and was not intervened by adenosine receptor antagonist CGS 15943. Molecular simulation showed the interaction between dopamine receptor and the sapogenin or its derivative. It is proven that the sapogenin can protect dopamine neurons through antineuroinflammation and activation of dopamine receptor rather than adenosine receptor, and its amination improves the effects. This research provides the prospective prodrugs for Parkinson disease and a new medicinal application of sasanqua saponin.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of triterpene saponins from tea seed pomace (Camellia oleifera Abel) and their activities against bacteria and fungi

A method using LC-ESI-IT-TOF/MS and LC/UV-ELSD was established to qualitatively analyze triterpene saponins obtained from the tea seed pomace (Camellia oleifera Abel). In addition, the quantitative analysis of oleiferasaponin A₁ using LC/UV was developed. The purified total saponins did not exhibit any inhibitory effects at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/mL against the tested bacteria, except for Staphyloccocus aureus and Escherichia coli. By contrast, higher inhibitory activity was seen against the tested fungi, especially against Bipolaris maydis. Following treatment with an MIC value of 250 μg/mL for 24 h, the mycelial morphology was markedly shriveled in appearance or showed flattened and empty hyphae, with fractured cell walls, ruptured plasmalemma and cytoplasmic coagulation or leakage. These structural changes hindered the growth of mycelia.

Antioxidant activities of saponins extracted from Radix Trichosanthis: an in vivo and in vitro evaluation

BACKGROUND

Radix Trichosanthis (RT), the dry root tuber of Trichosanthis kirilowii Maxim (Cucurbitaceae), is a traditional Chinese medicine. Although a wide range of saponin pharmacological properties has been identified, to our knowledge, this may be the first report to investigate the crude saponins from RT. The purpose of this study was to delineate the antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo by using ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol, and the mixture of n-butanol and EtOAc fractions.

METHODS

In vitro antioxidant activity was detected by using DPPH free radical, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and reducing power assays. After pretreatment with different fractions saponins at 2 mg/kg/d and 3 mg/kg/d of crude drug, respectively, an established CCl4 induced acute cytotoxicity model was used to evaluate the in vivo antioxidant potential by detection of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels.

RESULTS

The in vitro assay showed that the antioxidant activity of all the three fractions was promising. The reducing power of the EtOAc and the mixture of n-butanol and EtOAc extracts increased in a dose dependent manner. However, both the n-butanol and the mixture of n-butanol and EtOAc fractions in low dose exhibited in a time dependent manner with prolonged reaction time. As for hydrogen peroxide scavenging capability, the n-butanol fraction mainly demonstrated a time dependent manner, whereas EtOAc fraction showed a dose dependent manner. However, in case of in vivo assay, an increase of SOD and T-AOC and decrease of MDA and LDH levels were only observed in n-butanol (2 mg/kg/d of crude drug) extracts pretreatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

RT saponins in n-butanol fraction might be a potential antioxidant candidate, as CCl4-induced oxidative stress has been found to be alleviated, which may be associated with the time dependent manner of n-butanol saponins in a low dose. Further studies will be needed to investigate the active individual components in n-butanol extract, in vivo antioxidant activities and antioxidant mechanisms.

Methane storage in tea clathrates

Methane can be stored in tea clathrates, that is kinetics of methane clathrate formation can be significantly accelerated (90% saturation uptake in 20 min) by ingredients (polyphenols and saponins) in tea infusions with a volumetric capacity of up to 172 v/v.

A new saponin from tea seed pomace (Camellia oleifera Abel) and its protective effect on PC12 cells

A new triterpenoid saponin, oleiferasaponin A₁, was isolated from tea seed pomace (Camellia oleifera Abel). The structure of oleiferasaponin A₁ was elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence and was found to be 22-O-cis-2-hexenoyl-A₁-barrigenol 3-O-[β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→2)] [β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid. PC12 cells injured with H₂O₂ were used as the model to test the protective effects of oleiferasaponin A₁. The results indicated that oleiferasaponin A₁ can potentially prevent the H₂O₂-induced cell death of PC12 cells.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of a novel biflavonoid from shells of Camellia oleifera

Shells are by-products of oil production from Camellia oleifera which have not been harnessed effectively. The purpose of this research is to isolate flavonoid from shells of Camellia oleifera and evaluate its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The flavonoid was identified as bimolecular kaempferol structure by UV, MS, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra, which is a new biflavonoid and first found in Camellia oleifera. It showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenin-induced paw oedema in rats and croton oil induced ear inflammation in mice, and analgesic activity by hot plate test and acetic acid induced writhing. The mechanism of anti-inflammation of biflavonoid is related to both bradykinin and prostaglandins synthesis inhibition. The biflavonoid showed both central and peripheral analgesic effects different from aspirin, inhibition of the synthesis or action of prostaglandins may contribute to analgesic effect of biflavonoid. The biflavonoid significantly decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) and increased superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in serum (p < 0.01), revealed strong free radical scavenging activity in vivo. It indicates the biflavonoid can control inflammation and pain by eliminating free radical so as to inhibit the mediators and decrease the prostaglandins. The biflavonoid can be used as a prospective medicine for inflammation and pain.

Potential benefit of surfactants in a hydrocarbon contaminated soil washing process: fluorescence spectroscopy based assessment

Soil washing is an ex situ soil remediation treatment process. The purpose of soil washing is to clean the major gravel and sand fractions, concentrating contamination into the fine silt and clay fractions. The addition of surfactants can improve the efficiency of this method. Here we report the use of UV fluorescence spectroscopy to assess the hydrocarbon cleaning process as a rapid and cost effective alternative to gas chromatography. Three wash solutions were tested on a total petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil: water, Sea Power 101 (SP101) at 1% (v/v) and Tween80 at 0.5% (w/v). The most effective to wash the gravel and sand was SP101 (54 and 65% improvement over the water only wash, respectively) which moved contamination to the silt fraction (94% of contaminants). Tween80 appeared not to enhance TPH removal efficiency from the gravel and sand fractions but did concentrate TPH in the effluent (95% more than water wash). In addition to TPH removal from gravel and sand, SP101 also showed potential benefit in the soil washing sedimentation process, enhancing sludge/water volume separation by 10% over the water only wash. In summary, fluorescence spectroscopy proved an effective technique to compare TPH removal efficiencies as part of soil washing laboratory based treatability testing.

Antidiabetic effect of total saponins from Entada phaseoloides (L.) Merr. in type 2 diabetic rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The seed of Entada phaseoloides (L.) Merr. (Entada phaseoloides) has been long used as an effective herb for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus by Dai people, one of the Chinese ethnic minorities. Saponin is an abundant type of secondary metabolic products in the seed of this plant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of total saponins from Entada phaseoloides (TSEP) in experimental type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T2DM rats were induced by high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ). Then different oral doses of TSEP (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) were administrated to T2DM rats for 21 days. For comparison, a standard antidiabetic drug, metformin (200 mg/kg), was used as a positive control drug. Then the relative biochemical analysis and histopathological examination were made to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of TSEP.

RESULTS

TSEP dramatically reduced fasted blood glucose and serum insulin levels and alleviates hyperglycemia associated oxidative stress in T2DM rats. Moreover, a significantly hypolipidemic effect and an improvement in tissue steatosis could be observed after TSEP administration. Further investigations revealed a possible anti-inflammation effect of TSEP by examining serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The effects of TSEP exhibited a dose-dependent manner and were comparable to metformin.

CONCLUSION

Our present study demonstrates both hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of TSEP in T2DM rats, which support its antidiabetic property. This work also implies a possibility that TSEP exerts its therapeutic effect through repressing chronic inflammation responses.

Cytotoxic and anthelmintic potential of crude saponins isolated from Achillea Wilhelmsii C. Koch and Teucrium Stocksianum boiss

BACKGROUND

Saponins isolated from plant sources have a number of traditional and industrial applications. Saponins have pharmacological effects like anti-inflammatory, molluscicidal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antidiabetic, anticancer, anticonvulsant, anthelmintic, antitussive and cytotoxic activities. The current work describes the anthelmintic and cytotoxic activities of crude saponins of Achillea Wilhelmsii and Teucrium Stocksianum as these plants are rich with saponins.

METHODS

Brine shrimp cytotoxic activity of crude saponins was determined by Meyer et al. (1982) at test concentrations of 1000 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml, 7.5 μg/ml, 5.0 μg/ml, 2.5 μg/ml and 1.25 μg/ml. Percentage mortality of test concentrations was determined. Similarly, in vitro anthelmintic activity was determined against roundworms, tapeworms and earthworms. Albendazole and piperazine citrate at concentration 10 mg/ml were used as standard anthelmintic drugs.

RESULTS

Crude saponins of Achillea wilhelmsii (CSA) and Teucrium stocksianum (CST) had, respectively, cytotoxic activity with LC50 values 2.3±0.16 and 5.23±0. 34 μg/ml. For in vitro anthelmintic activity, time for paralysis and death of parasites (parasiticidal activity) was noted. At concentration 40 mg/ml, crude saponins of Achillea wilhelmsii are 1.96 and 2.12 times more potent than albendazole against Pheretima posthuma and Raillietina spiralis, respectively. Similarly, at concentration 40 mg/ml, crude saponins of Teucrium stocksianum (CST) has 1.89, 1.96 and 1.37 times more parasiticidal activity than albendazole against Pheretima posthuma, Raillietina spiralis and Ascardia galli, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Crude saponins of Achillea wilhelmsii and Teucrium stocksianum have cytotoxic and anthelmintic activity. The crude saponins may be excellent sources of cytotoxic and anthelmintic constituents that warrant its isolation and purification for new drug development.

Synergism and foaming properties in binary mixtures of a biosurfactant derived from Camellia oleifera Abel and synthetic surfactants

A biosurfactant, named tea saponin (TS), was isolated and purified from the defatted seed of Camellia oleifera Abel. The characterization of TS including molecular weight, glycosyl composition, and thermal behavior as well as the surface and foaming properties was conducted. The synergistic interactions of binary systems of CTAB-TS, SDS-TS, and Brij35-TS were investigated. The results show that TS had a weight-average molecular weight of 809.12 g mol(-1) and contained four aglycones of L-rhamnose, D-galactose, D-glucose, and D-glucuronic acid. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of 2.242 mmol L(-1) and the minimum surface tension (γ(cmc)) of 43.5 mN m(-1) were determined for TS. Synergisms in surface tension reduction efficiency, in mixed micelle formation, and in surface tension reduction effectiveness were observed in CTAB-TS and SDS-TS systems, whereas that was not shown in Brij35-TS mixtures. The mixtures of TS with CTAB and SDS showed synergism in foaming efficiency, but this synergism did not exist in Brij35-TS system with respect to the surface properties. Nevertheless, there appears to be no significant correlation between foam stability and the surface properties.