Five furostanol saponins from fruits of Tribulus terrestris and their cytotoxic activities

A comprehensive analysis of phytochemicals, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and phytoestrogenic properties of different parts of Tribulus terrestris

Tribulus terrestris L., a medicinal plant rich in secondary metabolites, was studied for optimising bioactive compound extraction from various parts of the plant using ethanol-water (50:50), ethanol, and methanol solvents. Analysis of extracts for key phytochemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids was performed using HPTLC, HPLC and gas chromatography. The ethanol-water mixture proved best for extracting saponins and polyphenols, ethanol for flavonoids, and methanol for alkaloids. The fruit yielded the highest saponin content (59.34% ± 3.87), while leaves were richest in polyphenols (18.94% ± 1.39), flavonoids (5.15% ± 1.01), and alkaloids (26.46% ± 1.71). Leaf extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa, and stem extracts were effective against E. coli. Root, stem, and leaf extracts exhibited antifungal activity with leaf extract also demonstrating strong phytoestrogenic activity. These findings highlight the varied phytochemical profiles and biological activities of T. terrestris, suggesting their potential therapeutic uses.

Five New Furostanol Glycosides from the Fruits of Tribulus terrestris with NO Production Inhibitory Activity

Eight furostanol glycosides including five undescribed compounds, named tribufurostanosides A-E (1-5), and three known ones (6-8) were isolated from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris L. Their chemical structures were determined by the IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D-, and 2D-NMR spectra. Furostanols 1-8 significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in LPS activated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 14.2 to 64.7 μM, compared to that of the positive control compound, dexamethazone (IC50 13.6 μM).

Fructose milieu undermines the therapeutic effect of Tribulus terrestris extract on neuroblastoma cell line via maintaining mitochondrial function

Fructose overconsumption promotes tumor progression. Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial tumor with about 50% 5-year survival rate in high-risk children. The anti-tumor effect of Tribulus terrestris might bring new hope to neuroblastoma therapy. However, whether fructose disturbs the therapeutic effect of T. terrestris is currently unknown. In this study, the mouse neuroblastoma cell line, Neuro 2a (N2a) cells, was used to investigate the therapeutic effects of T. terrestris extract at various dosages (0.01, 1, 100 ng/ml) in regular EMEM medium or extra added fructose (20 mM) for 24 h. 100 ng/ml T. terrestris treatment significantly reduced the cell viability, whereas the cell viabilities were enhanced at the dosages of 0.01 or 1 ng/ml T. terrestris in the fructose milieu instead. The inhibition effect of T. terrestris on N2a migration was blunted in the fructose milieu. Moreover, T. terrestris effectively suppressed mitochondrial functions, including oxygen consumption rates, the activities of electron transport enzymes, the expressions of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, and mitochondrial membrane potential. These suppressions were reversed in the fructose group. In addition, the T. terrestris-suppressed mitofusin and the T. terrestris-enhance mitochondrial fission 1 protein were maintained at basal levels in the fructose milieu. Together, these results demonstrated that T. terrestris extract effectively suppressed the survival and migration of neuroblastoma via inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and disturbing mitochondrial dynamics. Whereas, the fructose milieu blunted the therapeutic effect of T. terrestris, particularly, when the dosage is reduced.

Pharmacokinetic comparisons of six steroid saponins in rat plasma following oral administration of crude and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli extracts by UHPLC-MS/MS

Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Fructus Tribuli can improve sexual function and treat cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we focused on comparing the pharmacokinetics of crude Fructus Tribuli (CFT) and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli (SFT) to further clarify the changes in chemical composition in vivo. The quantitation of six analytes was performed in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer using the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Separation was performed on a Halo® C₁₈ column using 0.05% formic acid and 5 μmol/L sodium formate in water, and 0.05% formic acid and 5 μmol/L sodium formate in acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The selectivity, precision, accuracy, extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability of the method were fully validated. Compared with the crude group, the parameters C_max and AUC_0-t of terrestroside B and terrestrosin K increased significantly (P < 0.05), but the C_max and AUC_0-t of polianthoside D, terrestrinin D, tribuluside A and terrestrosin D were decreased, terrestrosin D being especially decreased (P < 0.05), after oral administration of SFT extract. These results showed that the developed method was suitable for pharmacokinetic analysis of the six steroid saponins of CFT and SFT in rat plasma, and can be used to facilitate future clinical studies.

Tribulus terrestris and female reproductive system health: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Tribulus terrestris L. (T. terrestris) positive performance on the male sexual system has been confirmed, but little is known about its effects on the female reproductive system.

PURPOSE

This review discussed in detail the beneficial impact of T. terrestris and its secondary metabolites on the female reproductive system.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this review, the scientific Databases of Science direct, Pubmed, Web of Science, Google, Google Scholar, Researchgate, EMBASE, Scientific Information (SID), and Elsevier were searched profoundly. Studies about the pharmacological activities of T. terrestris on the female reproductive system in each aspect of investigations: human, in vivo, and in vitro studies, in the period from 1998 to 2020 were admitted. Our study was not limited by the language of publications.

RESULTS

23 articles about the effects of T. terrestris on the female reproductive system were found. These studies approved the T. terrestris efficacy on improvements in histological features of the ovary and uterus of polycystic ovary syndrome patients as well as the well-working of normal ovaries, enhancements in the sexual desire of postmenopausal syndrome, improve ovarian and breast cancers.

CONCLUSION

These studies showed that the positive effect of T. terrestris on the female reproductive system was due to the presence of a secondary metabolite called protodioscin; a steroidal saponin compound, as the dominant active component of this plant.

Chemical Constituents, Biological Properties, and Uses of Tribulus terrestris: A Review

Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) (puncturevine) is a common weed that grows in many countries worldwide and in some places is considered as a noxious weed. The plant has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicines and is now considered as one of the most popular aphrodisiacs. It is known for its healing properties for sexual difficulties, impotence, and human and animal hormonal imbalance. It is also used as a sexual booster. Because of the plant’s active substances that can be used for curing sexual and other disorders, interest in it is increasing, and it is currently one of the most studied medicinal plants. The products and preparations manufactured from the aboveground plant parts are especially popular among athletes and people with health issues and diseases such as hormonal imbalance, sexual problems, heart problems, and various kidney and skin diseases. The aim of this review is a comprehensive and critical assessment of the scientific publications involving TT, with special reference to its chemical constituents and biological properties that may facilitate current understanding and future studies of this fascinating plant species. The objectives of this review were (1) to find knowledge gaps, (2) to discuss critically relevant publications and issues with materials and methods that may be prerequisites for contradictory results, and (3) to identify research and development areas. It was found that some of the studies on TT extracts as aphrodisiacs are controversial. A significant number of research publications claim that TT extracts and nutritional supplements containing TT improve muscle tone, have a common biostimulating effect, and improve spermogenesis. However, there are a growing number of publications that dispute these claims, as there are no empirical data on commonly accepted mechanisms of action. The main biologically active substances in TT are steroidal saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and lignan amides, the most studied being the steroidal saponins. Multiyear data on the metabolic profile of the species are generally lacking. There are a variety of methods used for extracting plant material, differences in methodologies and saponin analyses, and scientific instruments that were used. Lack of common standards could be a reason for differences in the pharmacological activity and composition of the TT preparations. Development of standard procedures and methods for collection of plant material and analyses are recommended. Selection and breeding efforts and agronomic studies of promising clones of TT would need to be conducted in order to develop TT as a new crop. This will provide consistency of supply and quality of the feedstock for the pharmaceutical industry and could provide a new cash crop for growers.

A new furostanol saponin from Dendrobium chrysanthum Lindl. with cytotoxic activity

A new furostanol saponin, (25R)-26-O-(α-d-glucopyranosyl)-(1→2)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-furost-5-ene-3β, 22α, 26-triol-3-O-α-d-glucopyranoside (1), together with four known compounds 2-5 were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the stems of Dendrobium chrysanthum Lindl. The structures of these new compounds were identified by extensive spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS, as well as chemical methods. Compounds 1-3 were isolated from D. chrysanthum for the first time. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of the compounds on tumor cells were evaluated, and compounds 1-2 exhibited significant cytotoxic activities potentially against SPC-A1, MCF-7 and HeLa human cancer cell lines. Compounds 3-5 showed inhibitory activity against the SPC-A1 and MCF-7.

Rapid Characterization of Constituents in Tribulus terrestris from Different Habitats by UHPLC/Q-TOF MS

A strategy for rapid identification of the chemical constituents from crude extracts of Tribulus terrestris was proposed using an informatics platform for the UHPLC/Q-TOF MS^E data analyses. This strategy mainly utilizes neutral losses, characteristic fragments, and in-house library to rapidly identify the structure of the compounds. With this strategy, rapid characterization of the chemical components of T. terrestris from Beijing, China was successfully achieved. A total of 82 steroidal saponins and nine flavonoids were identified or tentatively identified from T. terrestris. Among them, 15 new components were deduced based on retention times and characteristic MS fragmentation patterns. Furthermore, the chemical components of T. terrestris, including the other two samples from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region, China, and Rome, Italy, were also identified with this strategy. Altogether, 141 chemical components were identified from these three samples, of which 39 components were identified or tentatively identified as new compounds, including 35 groups of isomers. It demonstrated that this strategy provided an efficient protocol for the rapid identification of chemical constituents in complex samples such as traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) by UHPLC/Q-TOF MS^E with informatics platform. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Simultaneous Determination of 5 Flavonoids and 7 Saponins for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation Xinnaoshutong Capsule Using HPLC-VWD-ELSD

Xinnaoshutong capsule (XC) is a traditional Chinese prescription derived from the ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris L. (TT). Although XC has long been considered as an important herbal medicine, no analytical method of marker compounds for quality assessment is registered in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. A simple analytical method of twelve marker components was developed and validated by HPLC-VWD-ELSD method. Chromatographic separation by HPLC was carried out on a Hedera ODS 2 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) by gradient elution with acetonitrile-water (0.1% formic acid) as the mobile phase. Various extraction conditions were optimized to achieve twelve marker compounds with faster extraction and higher recovery. The analytical condition was then validated in terms of the linearity, accuracy and precision, repeatability, and stability. The twelve markers were successfully quantified in 30 batches of commercial samples. The developed HPLC-VWD-ELSD could be used as a rapid and reliable way in the assessment and quality control of XC and TT.

Furostanol and Spirostanol Saponins from Tribulus terrestris

Twelve new steroidal saponins, including eleven furostanol saponins, terrestrinin J-T (1-11), and one spirostanol saponin, terrestrinin U (12), together with seven known steroidal saponins 13-19 were isolated from T. terrestris. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS, and comparisons with published data.

Investigation on the toxic potential of Tribulus terrestris in vitro

CONTEXT

Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) has been commonly used to energize, vitalize, and improve sexual function and physical performance in men.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic, and endocrine disrupting activities of T. terrestris in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The whole T. terrestris plant was extracted with water, methanol, and chloroform. The genotoxic potential of T. terrestris extracts at 3-2400 µg/mL was assessed by Comet assay in a rat kidney cell line (NRK-52E) and by Ames assay in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. Endocrine disrupting effects of the extracts at concentrations of 0.22-25 000 µg/mL were assessed by YES/YAS assay in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cytotoxic activity of the extracts was determined by the MTT test in NRK-52E cells. The different exposure times were used for four tests (3-48 h).

RESULTS

The methanol extract of T. terrestris IC50 value was 160 µg/mL. The other extracts did not show cytotoxic effects. In the Comet and Ames genotoxicity assays, none of the extracts possessed genotoxic activities at concentrations of 0-2400 µg/mL. Only the water extract of T. terrestris induced frame shift mutations after metabolic activation. The water extract also showed estrogenic activity by YES/YAS assay in S. cerevisiae at concentrations ≥27 µg/mL (≥2.6-fold), while the other T. terrestris extracts had anti-estrogenic properties.

CONCLUSION

Tribulus terrestris had estrogenic and genotoxic activities. The study was useful in determining its toxicological effects and the precautions regarding consumption.

Steroidal saponins from Tribulus terrestris

Sixteen steroidal saponins, including seven previously unreported compounds, were isolated from Tribulus terrestris. The structures of the saponins were established using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and chemical methods. They were identified as: 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-en-2α,3β,22α,26-tetrol-12-one (terrestrinin C), 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-en-22α,26-diol-3,12-dione (terrestrinin D), 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-furost-4-en-22α,26-diol-3,6,12-trione (terrestrinin E), 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5α-furostan-3β,22α,26-triol-12-one (terrestrinin F), 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-en-12β,22α,26-triol-3-one (terrestrinin G), 26-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-en-22α,26-diol-3,12-dione (terrestrinin H), and 24-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5α-spirostan-3β,24β-diol-12-one-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-galactopyranoside (terrestrinin I). The isolated compounds were evaluated for their platelet aggregation activities. Three of the known saponins exhibited strong effects on the induction of platelet aggregation.

Saponins from Tribulus terrestris L. protect human keratinocytes from UVB-induced damage

Chronic exposure to solar UVB radiation damages skin, increasing the risk to develop cancer. Hence the identification of compounds with a photoprotective efficacy is essential. This study examined the role of saponins derived from Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) on the modulation of apoptosis in normal human keratinocytes (NHEK) exposed to physiological doses of UVB and to evaluate their antitumoral properties. In NHEK, TT saponins attenuate UVB-induced programmed cell death through inhibition of intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) TT saponins do not make the malignant keratinocytes more resistant to UVB and determine an enhanced apoptotic response. The photoprotective effect of TT saponins is tightly correlated to the enhancement of NER genes expression and the block of UVB-mediated NF-κB activation. Collectively, our study shows experimental evidence that TT has a preventive efficacy against UVB-induced carcinogenesis and the molecular knowledge on the mechanisms through which TT saponins regulate cell death suggests great potential for TT to be developed into a new medicine for cancer patients.

Anti-tumour and immunomodulating activities of diosgenin, a naturally occurring steroidal saponin

Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroidal saponin abundantly present in many medical plants. In this study, diosgenin could significantly inhibit the growth of sarcoma-180 tumour cells in vivo, and remarkably increase thymus and spleen weights of S-180-bearing mice and upgrade the secretion level of TNF-α in serum. Moreover, diosgenin could stimulate lymphocyte transformation and enhance phagocytic capability of macrophages in vitro, and remarkably promoted the secretion of NO and TNF-α in macrophages. These results suggested that diosgenin could improve both specific and non-specific cellular immune responses, and the anti-tumour effects of diosgenin were achieved by immunostimulating properties instead of direct cytotoxicity.