[Uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind steroidal saponin accumulation in Liriope muscari (Decne.) Baily through transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis]

The leaves and roots of Liriope muscari (Decne.) Baily were subjected to high-throughput Illumina transcriptome sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was used to investigate the enzyme genes and key transcription factors involved in regulating the accumulation of steroidal saponins, which are the main active ingredient in L. muscari. These analyses aimed to reveal the molecular mechanism behind steroidal saponin accumulation. The sequencing results of L. muscari revealed 31 enzymes, including AACT, CAS, DXS and DXR, that are involved in the synthesis of steroidal saponins. Among these enzymes, 16 were in the synthesis of terpenoid skeleton, 3 were involved in the synthesis of sesquiterpene and triterpene, and 12 were involved in the synthesis of steroidal compound. Differential gene expression identified 15 metabolic enzymes coded by 34 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the leaves and roots, which were associated with steroidal saponin synthesis. Further analysis using gene co-expression patterns showed that 14 metabolic enzymes coded by 31 DEGs were co-expressed. In addition, analysis using gene co-expression analysis and PlantTFDB's transcription factor analysis tool predicted the involvement of 8 transcription factors, including GAI, PIF4, PIL6, ERF8, SVP, LHCA4, NF-YB3 and DOF2.4, in regulating 6 metabolic enzymes such as DXS, DXR, HMGR, DHCR7, DHCR24, and CAS. These eight transcription factors were predicted to play important roles in regulating steroidal saponin accumulation in L. muscari. Promoter analysis of these transcription factors indicated that their main regulatory mechanisms involve processes such as abscisic acid response, drought-induction stress response and light response, especially abscisic acid responsive elements (ABRE) response and MYB binding site involved in drought-inducibility (MBS) response pathway. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis of these eight key transcription factors demonstrated their specific differences in the leaves and roots.

Steroidal saponins and homoisoflavonoids from the fibrous roots of ophiopogon japonicus and their anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities

The chemical investigation of the fibrous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus afforded two new steroidal saponins, named ophiojaponin F (1) and ophiojaponin G (2), together with twelve known steroidal saponins (3-14) and ten known homoisoflavonoids (15-24). The structures of the isolated compounds were established unambiguously via spectroscopic analyses (NMR and HR-ESI-MS). Ophiojaponin F (1) is a 23-hydroxylated spirostanol saponin, and this type of steroidal saponin rarely been reported in liriopogons. All isolates were evaluated for their anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities on TGF-β1-actived NIH3T3 cells for the first time. Among them, compounds 3, 4, 11-13, 15-19, 21 and 24 showed potential anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects with IC50 values ranging from 3.61 ± 0.86 μM to 21.33 ± 1.82 μM, and the main component ophiopogonin D (4) displayed the best activity with an IC50 value of 3.61 ± 0.86 μM. Thus, ophiopogonin D may be a potent candidate for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Characterisation of bioactive compounds from leaves of Smilax fluminensis Steud. by gc-MS and LC-DAD-MS, and analysis of its antioxidant and ecotoxicological activities

Smilax fluminensis Steud. is distributed in Central and South America, commonly named as 'salsaparilha' or 'japicanga'. In the present work, the chemical composition was determined, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects were evaluated for the ethanol extract (EE) and fractions from leaves. Fatty acid esters and phytol were characterised in the hexane (HEX) fraction. O-glycosylated flavonols and flavones, caffeic acid derivatives, and steroidal saponins were annotated for EE, and dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (AC), and hydroethanol (HE) fractions. The samples contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and the AC fraction displayed the biggest concentration of these substances. Antioxidant potential was observed in all samples, being especially pronounced in the AC fraction by DPPH and FRAP assays, with IC50 values of 8.18 and 2.35 µg/mL, respectively. AC and HEX fractions showed 35% and 5% lethality at 1000 μg/mL, in the Artemia salina assay, and the other samples did not show a toxic effect.

Unveiling the Chemical Composition of Sulfur-Fumigated Herbs: A Triple Synthesis Approach Using UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS-A Case Study on Steroidal Saponins in Ophiopogonis Radix

Ophiopogonis Radix (OR) is a traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, in order to achieve the purpose of drying, bleaching, sterilizing and being antiseptic, improving appearance, and easy storage, people often use sulfur fumigation for its processing. However, changes in the chemical composition of medicinal herbs caused by sulfur fumigation can lead to the transformation and loss of potent substances. Therefore, the development of methods to rapidly reveal the chemical transformation of medicinal herbs induced by sulfur fumigation can guarantee the safe clinical use of medicines. In this study, a combined full scan-parent ions list-dynamic exclusion acquisition-diagnostic product ions analysis strategy based on UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS was proposed for the analysis of steroidal saponins and their transformed components in sulfur-fumigated Ophiopogonis Radix (SF-OR). Based on precise mass measurements, chromatographic behavior, neutral loss ions, and diagnostic product ions, 286 constituents were screened and identified from SF-OR, including 191 steroidal saponins and 95 sulfur-containing derivatives (sulfates or sulfites). The results indicated that the established strategy was a valuable and effective analytical tool for comprehensively characterizing the material basis of SF-OR, and also provided a basis for potential chemical changes in other sulfur-fumigated herbs.

Exploration of the profiles of steroidal saponins from Rhizoma Paridis and their metabolites in rats by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

INTRODUCTION

Steroidal saponins characterised by intricate chemical structures are the main active components of a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Rhizoma Paridis. The metabolic profiles of steroidal saponins in vivo remain largely unexplored, despite their renowned antitumor, immunostimulating, and haemostatic activity.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a comprehensive analysis of the chemical constituents of Rhizoma Paridis total saponins (RPTS) and their metabolites in rats after oral administration.

METHOD

The chemical constituents of RPTS and their metabolites were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS).

RESULTS

A reliable UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method was established, and a total of 142 compounds were identified in RPTS. Specifically, diosgenin-type saponins showed the diagnostic ions at m/z 415.32, 397.31, 283.25, 271.21, and 253.20, whereas pennogenin-type saponins exhibited the diagnostic ions at m/z 413.31, 395.30, and 251.20. Based on the characteristic fragments and standard substances, 15 specific metabolites were further identified in the faeces, urine, plasma, and bile of rats. The metabolic pathways of RPTS, including phase I reactions (de-glycosylation and oxidation) and phase II reactions (glucuronidation), were explored and summarised, and the enrichment of metabolites was characterised by multivariate statistical analysis.

CONCLUSION

The intricate RPTS could be transformed into relatively simple metabolites in rats through de-glycosylation, which provides a reference for further metabolic studies and screening of active ingredients for TCM.

Comparative study of four Yucca species by 2D-NMR and LC-MS

The present study was conducted to compare leaf extracts of Y. gloriosa, Y. treculeana, Y. filamentosa and Y. aloifolia. Plant extracts were obtained by sequential extraction with 50% and 100% methanol using the pressurized liquid extraction method. General comparative analysis of Yucca extracts was performed by 2 D-NMR. The presence of various biologically active components in the extracts was shown, among which steroid saponins predominate. The use of LC-MS and LC-HRMS methods with electrospray ionization made it possible to conduct a comparative analysis of Yucca steroidal saponins. The 33 steroidal saponins of various structures were found. The presence of three characteristic saponins in all Yucca species was shown: yuccaloeside C, yuccaloeside E and yuccaloeside B. The results obtained can be used to control the quality of plant materials and products.

Steroidal saponins profiling of Rohdea chinensis (Baker) N.Tanaka by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The rhizome of Rohdea chinensis (Baker) N.Tanaka (RRc) is a famous folk medicine for the treatment of carbuncles and pharyngitis. Steroidal saponins (SSs) were considered to be the most abundant active constituents in RRc. However, to date, the in-depth study of SSs is still lacking. This study was aimed to investigate the SSs profiles of RRc extract by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Analysis was performed on an Agilent poroshell 120 EC-C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, i.d., 2.7 μm) with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile as the mobile phase under gradient conditions. The results showed that 32 SSs including 20 furospirostanol, 11 spirostanol and 1 pseudo-spirostanol saponins were identified, 5 of which were reported in this plant for the first time. This is the first report on the analysis of SSs in RRc. This novel analysis method may stimulate further research regarding the identification of SSs in other plant species.

Integrated evolutionary pattern analyses reveal multiple origins of steroidal saponins in plants

Steroidal saponins are a class of specialized metabolites essential for plant's response to biotic and abiotic stresses. They are also important raw materials for the industrial production of steroid drugs. Steroidal saponins are present in some monocots, such as Dioscorea and Paris, but their distribution, origin, and evolution in plants remain poorly understood. By reconstructing the evolutionary history of the steroidal saponin-associated module (SSAM) in plants, we reveal that the steroidal saponin pathway has its origin in Asparagus and Dioscorea. Through evaluating the distribution and evolutionary pattern of steroidal saponins in angiosperms, we further show that steroidal saponins originated multiple times in angiosperms, and exist in early diverged lineages of certain monocot lineages including Asparagales, Dioscoreales, and Liliales. In these lineages, steroidal saponins are synthesized through the high copy and/or high expression mechanisms of key genes in SSAM. Together with shifts in gene evolutionary rates and amino acid usage, these molecular mechanisms shape the current distribution and diversity of steroidal saponins in plants. Consequently, our results provide new insights into the distribution, diversity and evolutionary history of steroidal saponins in plants, and enhance our understanding of plants' resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Additionally, fundamental understanding of the steroidal saponin biosynthesis will facilitate their industrial production and pharmacological applications.

Analysis of the heavy metal contents' effect on steroidal saponins and the anti-breast cancer activity of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

Background: P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, as a near-threatened and ethnic medicine in China, used to be a key ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of traumatic injuries, sore throat, snakebites, and convulsions for thousands of years. However, there were no reports on the inverse relationship between the contents of heavy metals and saponins and its anti-breast cancer pharmacological activity in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Methods: The present study aimed to reveal the characteristics of heavy metal contents and saponins and its anti-breast cancer pharmacological activity and their interrelationships in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis from different production areas. The contents of heavy metal and steroidal saponins in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the high-performance liquid chromatography technique, respectively. The Pearson correlation was used to study the correlation between saponins and heavy metals. 4T1 mouse mammary tumor cells were selected and cultivated for antitumor studies in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Hoechst staining, and flow cytometry analysis were used for the examination of the proliferation and apoptosis of 4T1 tumor cells. Mouse breast cancer 4T1 cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/c mice to construct a tumor model to explore the in vivo inhibitory effect on breast cancer. TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry were used for the examination of the effect of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis from different origins on cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis induction in 4T1 tumor mice. Results: Heavy metal contents were highly correlated with the content of steroidal saponins. The overall content of 10 metals in the three producing origins was of the order C3 >C2 >C1. The total content of eight steroidal saponins in the extracts of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis from three different origins was C1 >C2 >C3. The Pearson correlation study showed that in all of the heavy metals, the contents of Cd and Ba were positively correlated with the main steroidal saponins in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, while Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, As, Hg, and Pb showed a negative correlation. In vitro experiments showed that the extracts of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis from three origins could inhibit the proliferation and induce cell apoptosis of 4T1 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, especially in the C1 origin. In vivo experiments showed that the extract of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis from the three origins could inhibit the growth of tumors and induce the apoptosis of tumor cells. In the three origins, C1 origin had the lowest total heavy metal level but the highest total steroidal saponin level. Therefore, it showed a better effect in reducing the expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and Kiel 67 (Ki67) and increasing the expression of p53 in tumor tissues compared to the other origins. In conclusion, in the three origins, C1 origin exhibits antitumor pharmacological effects in vivo and in vitro which are better than those in the other origins. Conclusion: In this study, we found that with the increase of the heavy metal content, the content of steroid saponins and anti-breast cancer activity decreased. The results showed that the high content of the total heavy metals may not be conducive to the accumulation of steroidal saponins in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis and lead to the low anti-breast cancer activity. The results of this study suggest that the content of heavy metals should be controlled in the artificial cultivation process of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

Integrated Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal the Efficacy of Steroidal Saponins for Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Hybrid Grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatu) Fed Higher-Lipid Diets

An analysis of the extent of the effect of steroidal saponin addition on glucose and lipid metabolism in hybrid grouper liver was performed at the transcriptomic and metabolomic levels. Feeds (52% crude protein, 14% crude lipid) were prepared containing 0% (S0), 0.1% (S0.1), and 0.2% (S0.2) steroidal saponins. After eight weeks of feeding trial, compared to the S0 group, the activities of serum albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate transaminase were significantly lower and the activities of lysozyme, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the livers of the S0.1 group were significantly higher than those of the S0 group, while the malondialdehyde content was significantly lower than that of the S0 group (p < 0.05). There were forty-two differentially expressed genes and thirty-two differential metabolites associated with glucose and lipid metabolism enriched using KEGG and GO. In the S0 group, the expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1, prostaglandin E synthase 1, and thromboxane-2 synthase mRNA was significantly higher than in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of genes in the S0 group were significantly higher than those in the S0.1 group (p < 0.05), including for glycogen synthase kinase, glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 2, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose transporter 4, and malate dehydrogenase. The expression of mRNA such as fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 was significantly lower in the S0.1 group than in the S0 group, while the expression of carnitine acyltransferase 1, acyl-CoA synthetase, and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase genes was significantly higher in the S0 group (p < 0.05). In summary, glycogen synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway were inhibited by 0.1% steroidal saponins, and glycogenolysis, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway were activated. This study aims to provide a reference for the formulation of grouper feeds with a higher crude-lipid level.

[New steroidal saponins from aerial parts of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis]

The shortage of Paridis Rhizoma promotes comprehensive utilization and development research of waste aerial parts of the original plant. The chemical compositions of the aerial parts of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis were clarified based on the ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupoles time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) in the previous investigation, and a series of flavonoids and steroidal saponins were isolated. The present study continued the isolation and structure identification of the new potential compounds discovered based on UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. By using silica gel, ODS, flash rapid preparation, and other column chromatography techniques, combined with prepared high performance liquid chromatography, five compounds were isolated from the 75% ethanol extract of the aerial parts of P. polyphylla var. chinensis, and their structures were identified by spectral data combined with chemical transformations, respectively, as(23S,25R)-23,27-dihydroxy-diosgenin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranoside(1),(25R)-26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-furost-5-en-3β,22α,26-triol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)]-β-D-glucopyranoside(2),(25R)-27-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-5-en-3β,27-dihydroxyspirost-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)]-β-D-glucopyranoside(3),(25R)-27-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-5-en-3β,27-dihydroxyspirost-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranoside(4), and aculeatiside A(5). Among them, compounds 1-4 were new ones, and compound 5 was isolated from P. polyphylla var. chinensis for the first time.

Steroidal Saponins: Naturally Occurring Compounds as Inhibitors of the Hallmarks of Cancer

Cancer is a global health burden responsible for an exponentially growing number of incidences and mortalities, regardless of the significant advances in its treatment. The identification of the hallmarks of cancer is a major milestone in understanding the mechanisms that drive cancer initiation, development, and progression. In the past, the hallmarks of cancer have been targeted to effectively treat various types of cancers. These conventional cancer drugs have shown significant therapeutic efficacy but continue to impose unfavorable side effects on patients. Naturally derived compounds are being tested in the search for alternative anti-cancer drugs. Steroidal saponins are a group of naturally occurring compounds that primarily exist as secondary metabolites in plant species. Recent studies have suggested that steroidal saponins possess significant anti-cancer capabilities. This review aims to summarize the recent findings on steroidal saponins as inhibitors of the hallmarks of cancer and covers key studies published between the years 2014 and 2024. It is reported that steroidal saponins effectively inhibit the hallmarks of cancer, but poor bioavailability and insufficient preclinical studies limit their utilization.

6-Oxofurostane and (iso)Spirostane Types of Saponins in Smilax sieboldii: UHPLC-QToF-MS/MS and GNPS-Molecular Networking Approach for the Rapid Dereplication and Biodistribution of Specialized Metabolites

Identifying novel phytochemical secondary metabolites following classical pharmacognostic investigations is tedious and often involves repetitive chromatographic efforts. During the past decade, Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QToF-MS/MS), in combination with molecular networking, has been successfully demonstrated for the rapid dereplication of novel natural products in complex mixtures. As a logical application of such innovative tools in botanical research, more than 40 unique 3-oxy-, 3, 6-dioxy-, and 3, 6, 27-trioxy-steroidal saponins were identified in aerial parts and rhizomes of botanically verified Smilax sieboldii. Tandem mass diagnostic fragmentation patterns of aglycones, diosgenin, sarsasapogenin/tigogenin, or laxogenin were critical to establishing the unique nodes belonging to six groups of nineteen unknown steroidal saponins identified in S. sieboldii. Mass fragmentation analysis resulted in the identification of 6-hydroxy sapogenins, believed to be key precursors in the biogenesis of characteristic smilaxins and sieboldins, along with other saponins identified within S. sieboldii. These analytes' relative biodistribution and characteristic molecular networking profiles were established by analyzing the leaf, stem, and root/rhizome of S. sieboldii. Deducing such profiles is anticipated to aid the overall product integrity of botanical dietary supplements while avoiding tedious pharmacognostic investigations and helping identify exogenous components within the finished products.

Chemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and Proposed Biosynthetic Pathways of Steroidal Saponins from Healthy Nutritious Vegetable-Allium

Allium is a common functional vegetable with edible and medicinal value. Allium plants have a special spicy taste, so they are often used as food and seasoning in people's diets. As a functional food, Allium also has abundant biological activities, some of which are used as drugs to treat diseases. By consuming Allium on a daily basis, people can receive active compounds of natural origin, thereby improving their health status and reducing the likelihood of disease. Steroidal saponins are important secondary metabolites of Allium, which are formed by the steroidal aglycone group and sugar. Steroidal saponins have various physiological activities, such as hypoglycemic, antiplatelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and enzyme activity inhibition, which is one of the key reasons why Allium has such significant health benefits. The structural diversity and rich biological activities of steroidal saponins make Allium important plants for both food and medicine. In this paper, the chemical structures, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships of steroidal saponins isolated from Allium are reviewed, and the biosynthetic pathways of some key compounds are proposed as well, to provide a molecular reference basis based on secondary metabolites for the health value of Allium.

New steroidal saponins from the roots of Paris verticillata

Four new polyhydroxylated steroidal saponins, parisverticillatosides A-D (1-4), together with four known spirostanol saponins (5-8) were isolated from the roots of Paris verticillata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidences. The discovery of the new compounds 1-4 extended the diversity and complexity of this spirostanol saponin family. The saponins 5 and 6 exhibited cytotoxicities against two human glioma cell lines.

Paris polyphylla Sm. Induces Reactive Oxygen Species and Caspase 3-Mediated Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells In Vitro and Potentiates the Therapeutic Significance of Fluorouracil and Cisplatin

Paris polyphylla Sm. (Melanthiaceae) is an essential, vulnerable herb with a wide range of traditional applications ranging from fever to cancer in various communities. The use of P. polyphylla in India is limited to traditional healers. Here, we demonstrated that P. polyphylla extract (PPE) has good phenol, flavonoid, saponin, and steroidal saponin content and anti-oxidant activity with IC₅₀ 35.12 ± 6.1 μg/mL in DPPH and 19.69 ± 6.7 μg/mL in ABTS. Furthermore, PPE induces cytotoxicity in HCT-116 with IC₅₀ 8.72 ± 0.71 μg/mL without significant cytotoxicity inthe normal human colon epithelial cell line, CCD 841 CoN. PPE inhibits the metastatic property and induces apoptosis in HCT-116, as measured by Annexin V/PI, by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase 3 activation. PPE acts synergistically with 5FU and cisplatin in HCT-116 and potentiates their therapeutic significance. Steroidal saponins with anticancer activities were detected in PPE by HR-LCMS. The present study demonstrated that PPE induces apoptosis by increasing ROS and activating caspase 3, which was attributed to steroidal saponins. PPE can be used as a potential natural remedy for colon cancer.

Chemical constituents from Trillium camschatcense

Two undescribed polyacetylated 18-norspirostanol saponins, trilliumosides J (1) and 21-deoxyepitrillenoside C (2), a novel resveratrol aneuploid, 3a,3b-dimethoxyhopeachinol B (3) along with four known steroidal saponins (4-7), were isolated from the 70% EtOH extract of the roots and rhizomes of Trillium camschatcense. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and chemical degradation. Compounds 1,3 and 4 had potential cytotoxic activity against MCF-7, with IC₅₀ values 86.38 ± 2.59 μM, 56.20 ± 1.57 μM and 45.70 ± 0.63 μM.

Effects of Dietary Steroid Saponins on Growth Performance, Serum and Liver Glucose, Lipid Metabolism and Immune Molecules of Hybrid Groupers (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatu) Fed High-Lipid Diets

High-lipid diets are attributed to excessive lipid deposition and metabolic disturbances in fish. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of steroidal saponins on growth performance, immune molecules and metabolism of glucose and lipids in hybrid groupers (initial weight 22.71 ± 0.12 g) fed high-lipid diets. steroidal saponins (0%, 0.1% and 0.2%) were added to the basal diet (crude lipid, 14%) to produce three experimental diets, designated S₀, S_0.1 and S_0.2, respectively. After an 8-week feeding trial, no significant differences were found between the S₀ and S_0.1 groups in percent weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and protein deposition rate (p > 0.05). All those in the S_0.2 group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Compared to the S₀ group, fish in the S_0.1 group had lower contents of serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose (p < 0.05). The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher, and malondialdehyde contents were significantly lower in the S_0.1 group than in the S₀ group (p < 0.05). Hepatic triglyceride, total cholesterol and glycogen were significantly lower in the S_0.1 group than in the S₀ group (p < 0.05). Activities of lipoprotein lipase, total lipase, glucokinase and pyruvate kinase, and gene expression of lipoprotein lipase, triglyceride lipase and glucokinase, were significantly higher in the S_0.1 group than in the S₀ group. Interleukin-10 mRNA expression in the S_0.1 group was significantly higher than that in the S₀ group, while the expression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α genes were significantly lower than those in the S₀ group. In summary, adding 0.1% steroidal saponins to a high-lipid diet not only promoted lipolysis in fish livers, but also activated glycolysis pathways, thus enhancing the utilization of the dietary energy of the groupers, as well as supporting the fish's nonspecial immune-defense mechanism.

Extraction and identification of steroidal saponins from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua using natural deep eutectic solvent-synergistic quartz sand-assisted extraction method

In this study, quartz sand with particularly sharp nanoscale edges acted like a nanoscale knife physically cut cells of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua into nanosized particles and was synergized with natural deep eutectic solvent to extract steroidal saponins of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua. The natural deep eutectic solvent (choline chloride-lactic acid)-synergistic quartz sand-assisted extraction was optimized using response surface methodology. The steroidal saponins purified with AB-8 macroporous resin were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple time of flight mass spectrometry. The results showed that the experimental total saponins content value (36.97 ± 0.12 mg dioscin equivalent/g dry weight) at optimal extraction conditions with a temperature of 68°C, a rotational speed of 20 400 rpm, shear time of 4.3 min, the liquid-solid ratio of 38 ml/g, was close to the maximum possible theoretical value (36.64 mg dioscin equivalent/g dry weight). A total of 20 steroidal saponins were identified, among which the content of (25R)-Kingianoside E was the highest (102.66 ± 3.47 mg/g). Furthermore, a new steroid saponin (3β,25S)-26-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-22-hydroxyfurost-5-en-3-yl 4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-galactopyranoside+Glc was found for the first time. These results revealed that natural deep eutectic solvent-synergistic quartz sand-assisted extraction was an efficient and green method to extract a variety of steroidal saponins.

Advances in the Biosynthesis and Molecular Evolution of Steroidal Saponins in Plants

Steroidal saponins are an important type of plant-specific metabolite that are essential for plants' responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Because of their extensive pharmacological activities, steroidal saponins are also important industrial raw materials for the production of steroidal drugs. In recent years, more and more studies have explored the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins in plants, but most of them only focused on the biosynthesis of their molecular skeleton, diosgenin, and their subsequent glycosylation modification mechanism needs to be further studied. In addition, the biosynthetic regulation mechanism of steroidal saponins, their distribution pattern, and their molecular evolution in plants remain unclear. In this review, we summarized and discussed recent studies on the biosynthesis, molecular regulation, and function of steroidal saponins. Finally, we also reviewed the distribution and molecular evolution of steroidal saponins in plants. The elucidation of the biosynthesis, regulation, and molecular evolutionary mechanisms of steroidal saponins is crucial to provide new insights and references for studying their distribution, diversity, and evolutionary history in plants. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of steroidal saponin biosynthesis will contribute to their industrial production and pharmacological applications.

Comparison of Ophiopogon japonicus and Liriope spicata var. prolifera from Different Origins Based on Multi-Component Quantification and Anticancer Activity

The tuberous root of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl. is a well-known Chinese medicine also called Maidong (MD) in Chinese. It could be divided into "Chuanmaidong" (CMD) and "Zhemaidong" (ZMD), according to the geographic origins. Meanwhile, the root of Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour. var. prolifera Y. T. Ma (SMD) is occasionally used as a substitute for MD in the market. In this study, a reliable pressurized liquid extraction and HPLC-DAD-ELSD method was developed for the simultaneous determination of nine chemical components, including four steroidal saponins (ophiopojaponin C, ophiopogonin D, liriopesides B and ophiopogonin D'), four homoisoflavonoids (methylophiopogonone A, methylophiopogonone B, methylophiopogonanone A and methylophiopogonanone B) and one sapogenin (ruscogenin) in CMD, ZMD and SMD. The method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, repeatability and accuracy, and then applied to the real samples from different origins. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the contents of the investigated compounds in CMD, ZMD and SMD. Ruscogenin was not detected in all the samples, and liriopesides B was only found in SMD samples. CMD contained higher ophiopogonin D and ophiopogonin D', while the other compounds were more abundant in ZMD. Moreover, the anticancer effects of the herbal extracts and selected components against A2780 human ovarian cancer cells were also compared. CMD and ZMD showed similar cytotoxic effects, which were stronger than those of SMD. The effects of MD may be due to the significant anticancer potential of ophiopognin D' and homoisoflavonoids. These results suggested that there were great differences in the chemical composition and pharmacological activity among CMD, ZMD and SMD; thus, their origins should be carefully considered in clinical application.

Screening and Identification of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Erdong Gao via Multiple-Target-Cell Extraction Coupled with HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and Their Structure-Activity Relationship

Erdong Gao (EDG), consisting equally of roots of Asparagi Radix and Ophiopogonis Radix, is a well-known traditional Chinese formulation that has been used to treat cough and throat pain for centuries. However, the bioactive components in EDG remain to be elucidated. In this study, a rapid and effective method involving live cell bio-specific extraction and HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was established to rapidly screen and identify the anti-inflammatory compounds of an EDG extract. One hundred and twenty-four components were identified in EDG extract using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. After co-incubation with 16HBE, HPAEpiCs and HUVECs, which have been validated as the key target cells for pulmonary diseases, sixteen components were demonstrated to exhibit an affinity for binding to them. Furthermore, fifteen components were subsequently verified to exert anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced 16HBE, HPAEpiCs and HUVECs via inhibiting the release of TNF-α and IL-6, indicating that nine steroidal saponins may possess potential for the treatment of lung-related diseases. Taken together, our study provides evidence that live cell biospecific extraction combined with the HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technique was an efficient method for rapid screening potential bioactive components in traditional Chinese medicines and the structure activity relationship of steroidal saponins in EDG was summarized for the first time.

Studies on biotransformation mechanism of Fusarium sp. C39 to enhance saponin content of Paridis Rhizoma

Paridis Rhizoma is a natural medicine with strong anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities. Our previous research have found that Fusarium sp. C39, an endophytic fungus isolated from Dioscorea nipponica which contains the similar chemical components, significantly increased the steroidal saponins content of Paridis Rhizoma by fermentation. In this study, the inhibitory effects of fermentated Paridis Rhizoma extract (PRE) on liver cancer cells (Hepal-6), cervical cancer cells (Hela), and lung cancer cells (A549) were determined to be stronger than that of the unfermented extract. For discovering the fermentation mechanism of PRE with Fusarium sp. C39, 36 components with obviously quantitative variations were screened out by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS and 53 key genes involved in the metabolic pathways of steroidal saponins were identified by transcriptome. On the basis of comprehensively analyzing information from the metabonomics and transcriptome, it can be speculated that the increase of spirostanol saponins and nuatigenin-type saponins enhanced the inhibitory effect of fermented PRE on cancer cell proliferation. Under the action of glycosidase, glycosyltransferase, oxidoreductases, and genes involved in sterol synthesis, strain C39 achieved the synthesis of diosgenin and the alteration of configurations, sugar chain and substituent of steroidal saponins. The research suggested a microbial transformation approach to increase the resource utilization and activity of Paris polyphylla.

Yamogenin-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Line

Steroidal saponins are a group of compounds with complex structures and biological activities. They have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, fungicidal, and antitumor properties. Yamogenin is one of the spirostane saponins and occurs in Trigonella foenum-graecum, Asparagus officinalis, and Dioscorea collettii. It is a stereoisomer of diosgenin-a well-known compound whose activity and mechanisms of action in cancer cells are determined. However, the antitumor effect of yamogenin is still little known, and the mechanism of action has not been determined. In this study, we evaluated the effect of yamogenin on human ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells in vitro by determining the cellular factors that trigger cell death. The viability of the cells was assessed with a Real-Time xCELLigence system and the cell cycle arrest with flow cytometry. The activity of initiator and executioner caspases (-8, -9, and -3/7) was estimated with luminometry and flow cytometry, respectively. The mitochondrial membrane depolarization, the level of oxidative stress, and DNA damage in the yamogenin-treated cells were also evaluated by flow cytometry. Genes expression analysis at the mRNA level was conducted with Real-Time PCR. Bid activation and chromatin condensation were estimated with fluorescent microscopy. The obtained results indicate that yamogenin has cytotoxic activity in SKOV-3 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 23.90 ± 1.48 µg/mL and strongly inhibits the cell cycle in the sub-G1 phase. The compound also triggers cell death with a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, an increase in the level of oxidative stress (over two times higher in comparison to the control), and activation of caspase-8, -9, -3/7, as well as Bid. The results of genes expression indicate that the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor Superfamily Members (TNF, TNFRSF10, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF1B, and TNFRSF25), Fas Associated via Death Domain (FADD), and Death Effector Domain Containing 2 (DEDD2) were significantly upregulated and their relative expression was at least two times higher than in the control. Our work shows that yamogenin induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells, and both the extrinsic and mitochondrial-intrinsic pathways are involved in this process.

Comparative study of steroidal sapogenins content in leaves of five Agave species

BACKGROUND

Agaves are mainly used to produce alcoholic beverages such as tequila, mezcal and bacanora. However, the leaves constitute more than 50% of the plant and are not used in the production process, so they are considered waste. This plant material can be used as a source of bioactive compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids and saponins. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the aglycone type of saponins and to quantify three steroidal sapogenins in leaves of five Agave species collected in different regions of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico.

RESULTS

Analysis by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection of the hydrolyzed methanolic extracts showed that diosgenin and tigogenin were the most abundant sapogenins identified in the five Agave species. Differences in the content of these sapogenins were found in the same species collected in different localities. The leaves of Agave americana var. oaxacensis L. (Oaxaca) had the highest diosgenin-derived saponin content, while the leaves of A. angustifolia Haw. (Guerrero) had the highest tigogenin-derived saponin content. Only in A. cupreata was sarsasapogenin identified, all three sapogenins occurring in the leaves of this species. For the first time, information is provided on the aglycones of the saponins produced in A. potatorum Zucc. and A. karwinskii Zucc.

CONCLUSION

This study made it possible to compare the content of diosgenin and tigogenin-derived saponins in leaves of Agave species from Guerrero and Oaxaca. This information will be useful for better utilization of this plant material and add value to the process of mezcal elaboration. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Research progress of steroidal saponins in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis and their microbial transformation]

Steroidal saponins, important natural organic compounds in Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, have good biological activity. Structural modification of steroidal saponins by microbial transformation could produce a large number of products with novel structures and excellent bioactivity, which can provide functional compounds for the research and development of steroidal drugs. This study summarized the research progress in steroidal saponins and their microbial transformation in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis contains 112 steroidal saponins, 8 of which are used as substrates in 35 transformation reactions by 25 microbial species, with the highest transformation rate of 95%. Diosgenin is the most frequently used substrate. Furthermore, the strains, culture medium, reaction conditions, transformation rate, transformation reaction characteristics, and biological activities of the transformed products were summarized. This review may provide reference for the further research on microbial transformation of steroidal saponins in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

Optimization of the Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction Technology of Steroidal Saponins from Polygonatum kingianum Collett & Hemsl and Evaluating Its Quality Planted in Different Areas

Polygonatum kingianum Collett & Hemsl is one of the famous traditional Chinese herbs with satisfactory therapeutic effects on invigorating Qi, nourishing Yin and moistening lungs, in which steroidal saponins are one class of important active substances. The main purpose is to determine the optimal extraction technology of steroidal saponins and evaluate the quality of P. kingianum planted in five different areas. The optimal ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) technology was established by using single-factor experiments and the response surface methodology (RSM), and the determination method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for dioscin and diosgenin, two primary types of acid-hydrolyzed steroidal saponins, was constructed with good linear range and precision. The results showed that UAE was an efficient extraction method for steroidal saponins, and the extraction yield was significantly affected by the liquid-solid ratio. The optimal extraction technology was generated following a liquid-solid ratio of 10:1 (mL/g), an ethanol concentration of 85% (v/v), an extraction time of 75 min, an extraction temperature of 50 °C and three extractions, of which these parameters were in line with the predicted values calculated by RSM. Considering only dioscin and diosgenin, the quality of P. kingianum planted at five sample plots presented non-significant difference. However, the content of diosgenin in Pingbian Prefecture (PB) was higher than that of the other four areas with a value of 0.46 mg/g. Taken together, the optimal UAE technology for P. kingianum steroidal saponins was determined via RSM. The quality evaluation revealed that there was a non-significant difference among P. kingianum planted in different areas based on the contents of the sum of dioscin and diosgenin. This work has important reference value for the exploitation and utilization of P. kingianum.

[Traditional use of Paris polyphylla and its active components]

This paper reviewed the traditional use of Paris polyphylla and its active components, aiming to provide reference for the development and utilization of this plant. It was found that P. polyphylla has been used as a medicinal plant by eight ethnic minorities. A total of 62 experiential effective recipes, including 29 simple recipes and 33 compound recipes, were analyzed for their indications, traditional processing methods, medicinal compatibilities, and administration doses. The top three in the eight ethnic minorities sorted by the quantity of folk recipes were the Yi nationality(18), Naxi nationality(13) and Bai nationality(12). P. polyphylla has been widely employed for the treatment of nine categories of diseases, especially the dermatologic diseases, trauma, and toxicosis currently. The collating of material basis for its traditional functions revealed 26 active components, among which 19 were steroidal saponins capable of resisting cancer, furuncles, carbuncles, abscesses, bacteria, inflammation and stopping bleeding. This study preliminarily proved the efficacy of P. polyphylla in treating cancer and respiratory system, digestive system, and genitourinary system diseases, which has provided clues for related basic research of P. polyphylla and development of new preparations.

Cytotoxic activity of standardized extracts, a fraction, and individual secondary metabolites from fenugreek seeds against SKOV-3, HeLa and MOLT-4 cell lines

CONTEXT

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fabaceae) has many therapeutic properties and anticancer potential.

OBJECTIVE

The cytotoxic activities of standardized extracts and a fraction from fenugreek seeds and their compounds (sapogenins, flavone C-glycosides, alkaloid trigonelline) against human cancer SKOV-3, HeLa and MOLT-4 cells were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fenugreek seeds were extracted with 70% methanol (A) or water (B). Furthermore, the seeds were purified with petroleum ether and chloroform and next extracted with methanol to obtain fraction (C). The quantitative analysis of saponins and flavonoids in the extracts was done with HPLC methods. The extracts (5-120 µg/mL) and compounds (1-50 µg/mL) were tested on the cells by MTT assay and RTCA system. The effect of a fraction on ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase-3/7 activity in HeLa and SKOV-3 cells was also evaluated by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The strongest cytotoxic activity on cancer cells showed the fraction C (IC₅₀ was 3.91 ± 0.03 for HeLa, 3.97 ± 0.07 for SKOV-3, and 7.75 ± 0.37 for MOLT-4) with the highest content of steroidal saponins (163.18 ± 11.03 μg/mg) and flavone C-glycosides (820.18 ± 0.05 μg/mg). The fraction significantly increased ROS production (up to four times higher than in keratinocytes as control) and caspases activity in the cells. The examined flavonoids did not exhibit the cytotoxic activity in contrast to yamogenin, tigogenin, and diosgenin.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results complement the data on the cytotoxic activity of Foenugraeci Semen and synergistic effect of flavonoids and saponins complex contained in the plant.

[Chemical constituents of steroidal saponins in rhizome of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis cultured in vitro]

In this study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) were employed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the steroidal saponins in rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis from three different habitats cultured in vitro, in an attempt to explore whether the rhizomes of the medicinal herb cultured in vitro can synthesize the steroidal saponins, including polyphyllinsⅠ, Ⅱ, and Ⅶ, the quality markers specified in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). A total of 20 steroidal saponins were identified in the rhizomes from Changxin, Yunlong(S1), Fengyi, Dali(S2), and Niujie, Eryuan(S3): parisyunnanoside A and parisyunnanoside D or E, proto-polyphyllin Ⅱ, polyphyllins G and H, polyphyllinsⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅴ, Ⅵ, and Ⅶ, dioscin, gracillin, prosapogenin A, Tg, isomer of Th, saponin Th, reclinatoside, proto-pairs D, pseudoproto-dioscin, and 23-O-glc-(23S,25R)-spirost-5-en-3β,23α,27-triol-3-O-rha-(1→2)-[ara(1→4)]-glc or 27-O-glc-(23S,25R)-spirost-5-en-3β,27α-diol-3-O-rha-(1→2)-[ara(1→4)]-glc. Among them, polyphyllinsⅠ, Ⅱ, and Ⅶ were detected in the rhizomes from S1, with the mass fraction of 0.109 1%, 0.165 2%, and 0.051 03%, respectively(total 0.325 3%). Polyphyllins Ⅱ and Ⅶ were identified in the rhizomes from S2 with the respective mass fraction of 0.192 2% and 0.074 23% and total content of 0.266 5%. Moreover, polyphyllins Ⅱ and Ⅶ were also found in the rhizomes from S3, which had the mass fraction of 0.207 7% and 0.186 9%, separately, with the total content of 0.394 6%. Thus, steroidal saponins, including the quality makers polyphyllins Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅶ recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition) can be synthesized in rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis cultured in vitro, but their total content fails to meet the standard(0.60% in Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Therefore, in vitro culture of the Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis is feasible, but the culture conditions need to be further improved.

New Steroidal Saponins Isolated from the Rhizomes of Paris mairei

The genus Paris is an excellent source of steroidal saponins that exhibit various bioactivities. Paris mairei is a unique species and has been widely used as folk medicine in Southwest China for a long time. With the help of chemical methods and modern spectra analysis, five new steroidal saponins, pamaiosides A–E (1–5), along with five known steroidal saponins 6–10, were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris mairei. The cytotoxicity of all the new saponins was evaluated against human pancreatic adenocarcinoma PANC-1 and BxPC3 cell lines.

[Separation and structural elucidation of C25 epimers of furostanol saponin from aerial parts of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis]

Paris polyphylla var. chinensis(PPC) is used as one of the origin plants of Paridis Rhizoma described in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). Its resources shortage makes the planting scale gradually expand, and plenty of aerial parts are abandoned because of not being effectively used. On the basis of previous research, this study separated steroidal saponins to further clarify the chemical composition of the aerial parts of PPC. As a result, three pairs of 25R or 25S epimers of furostanol saponins were obtained by various column chromatography techniques. Their structures were identified as neosolanigroside Y6(1), solanigroside Y6(2), neoprotogracillin(3), protogracillin(4), neoprotodioscin(5) and protodioscin(6) by spectral data combining with chemical transformation. Compound 1 is a new compound, and compounds 2, 3 and 5 are isolated from Paris plants for the first time. Compounds 4 and 6 are isolated from this plant for the first time. Previously, only several spirostanol glycosides with 25S configuration were isolated from Paris plants. Guided by mass spectrometry, the present study isolated the furostanol saponins with 25S configuration from this genus for the first time, which further enriches the chemical information of Paris genus and provides a reference for the isolation of similar compounds.

[Qualitative and quantitative analysis of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and HPLC]

Paridis Rhizoma(PR) is prepared from the dried rhizome of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis(PPY) or P. polyphylla var. chinensis(PPC) in Liliaceae family. The rapid development of PPY or PPC planting industry resulted from resource shortage has caused the waste of a large number of non-medicinal resources. To clarify the chemical compositions in rhizomes, fibrous roots, stems, leaves, seeds and pericarps of PPC, and explore the comprehensive application value and development prospect of these parts, the qualitative and quantitative analyses on the different parts of PPC were carried out by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). A total of 136 compounds were identified, including 112 steroidal saponins, 6 flavonoids, 11 nitrogen-containing compounds and 7 phytosterols. Rhizomes, fibrous roots, and seeds mainly contained protopennogenyl glycosides and pennogenyl glycosides; leaves and stems mainly contained protodiosgenyl glycosides and diosgenyl glycosides; pericarps mainly contained pennogenyl glycosides, followed by diosgenyl glycosides. The total level of four saponins was the highest in fibrous roots and rhizomes, followed by those in the pericarps and arillate seeds, and the lowest in the stems and exarillate seeds. This study can provide data support for the comprehensive development and rational application of non-medicinal parts of PPC.

Cytotoxic steroidal glycosides from the underground parts of Hosta ventricosa

A phytochemical study on the underground parts of Hosta ventricosa yielded one new spirostanol saponin (1), two new furostanol saponins (2 and 3), and one new pregnane glycoside (4), along with three known compounds (5‒7). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic analysis. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, A-549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW-480). Compounds 1, 2, and 5‒7 showed cytotoxic activities with IC₅₀ values of 3.21-17.06 μM.

Can Yucca schidigera Be Used to Enhance the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Gut Histomorphology, Cecal Microflora, Carcass Characteristic, and Meat Quality of Commercial Broilers Raised under Tropical Conditions?

This study aims to study the effect of Yucca shidigera as a phytobiotic supplementation in enhancing the production performance of commercial broilers reared under tropical environments. A total of 300 male day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into six treatment groups. Treatment 1 broilers were fed with commercial diets without antibiotics. Treatment 2 broilers were fed with commercial diets added with 100 mg/kg oxytetracycline antibiotic. Treatment 3, 4, 5, and 6 were fed with the same commercial diets added with 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg Y. shidigera, respectively, without antibiotic. Throughout the six weeks study period, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly for each replicate to calculate the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. In addition, the nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, cecal microflora population, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were determined. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, carcass traits, and meat quality. Overall, T6 broilers supplemented with 100 mg/kg Y. shidigera demonstrated the best production performances as compared to the other treatment broilers. In summary, information from this study will be valuable for the usability of Y. schidigera, which could be developed as a feed additive to replace antibiotics in the poultry sector in the tropics.

Steroidal Saponins Isolated from the Rhizome of Dioscorea tokoro Inhibit Cell Growth and Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Our preliminary screening identified an extract from the rhizome of Dioscorea tokoro, which strongly suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells and inhibited autophagy. This study aimed to isolate active compounds from the rhizome of D. tokoro that exert antiproliferative effects and inhibit autophagy. The bioassay-guided fractionation of the active fraction led to the isolation of two spirostan-type steroidal saponins, dioscin (1) and yamogenin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1→4)-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), and the frostane-type steroidal saponin protodioscin (3) from the n-BuOH fraction. Furthermore, acid hydrolysis of 1 and 2 produced the aglycones diosgenin (4) and yamogenin (5), respectively. Compounds 1-5 suppressed proliferation of HepG2 cells. The analysis of structure-activity relationships indicated that the 25(R)-conformation, structures with a sugar moiety, and the spirostan-type aglycone moiety contributed to antiproliferative activity. Analysis of autophagy-related proteins demonstrated that 1-3 clearly increased the levels of both LC3-II and p62, implying that 1-3 deregulate the autophagic pathway by blocking autophagic flux, which results in p62 and LC3-II accumulation. In contrast, 1-3 did not significantly affect caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage, suggesting that the antiproliferative activity of 1-3 occurred independently of caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. In summary, our study showed that 1-3, active compounds in the rhizome of D. tokoro, suppressed cell proliferation and autophagy, and might be potential agents for autophagy research and cancer chemoprevention.

Novel Steroidal Saponins in Oat Identified by Molecular Networking Analysis and Their Levels in Commercial Oat Products

Through the use of the Global Natural Product Social (GNPS) feature-based networking system, a series of newly identified steroidal saponins were discovered in oat. The structures of the three new major steroidal saponins, sativacosides A-C (1-3), were characterized by analyzing their high-resolution MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra, and an additional eight new steroidal saponins were also tentatively identified (4-11) based on their tandem mass spectra and typical fragments. Using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry techniques, a complete profile of the new sativacoside series was established, and the contents of sativacosides A-C were quantified in 18 different commercial oat products. The total levels of sativacosides A-C varied from 62.2 to 192.9 μg/g in these 18 products, in which oat bran (11 samples) and oatmeal (3 samples) had higher levels than cold oat cereal (4 samples).

Cloning and Functional Characterization of a Squalene Synthase from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis

Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand. - Mazz. is a precious traditional Chinese medicine, and steroidal saponins are its major bioactive constituents possessing extensive biological activities. Squalene synthase (SQS) catalyzes the first dedicated step converting two molecular of farnesyl diphosphate (FDP) into squalene, a key intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of steroidal saponins. In this study, a squalene synthase gene (PpSQS1) was cloned and functionally characterized from P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, representing the first identified SQS from the genus Paris. The open reading frame of PpSQS1 is 1239 bp, which encodes a protein of 412 amino acids showing high similarity to those of other plant SQSs. Expression of PpSQS1 in Escherichia coli resulted in production of soluble recombinant proteins. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the purified recombinant PpSQS1 protein could produce squalene using FDP as a substrate in the in vitro enzymatic assay. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that PpSQS1 was highly expressed in rhizomes, consistent with the dominant accumulation of steroidal saponins there, suggesting that PpSQS1 is likely involved in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins in the plant. The findings lay a foundation for further investigation on the biosynthesis and regulation of steroidal saponins, and also provide an alternative gene for manipulation of steroid production using synthetic biology.

Tribulus terrestris Efficacy and Safety Concerns in Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction, Assessed in an Experimental Model

The present project aims to evaluate Tribulus terrestris (TT) extracts by addressing various possible mechanisms of action in order to see whether the use of TT supplements in diabetes and diabetes complications is justified. Diabetic rats were divided into three groups: diabetic control group, TT extract with low protodioscin content group (TT-LPC) and TT extract with high protodioscin content group (TT-HPC). After twelve weeks of treatment, fasting blood glucose, insulin, LH, FSH and testosterone levels were measured. Both TT preparations reduced elevated blood glucose level. Insulin and luteinizing hormone levels were not significantly different compared with the control group; however, the FSH and testosterone levels were significantly higher in the TT-HPC group compared with the diabetic control group. The testosterone level is correlated in part with the protodioscin concentration in extracts and is probably mediated through an FSH-linked pathway.

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Extraction of Bioactive Steroidal Saponins from Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma

In the present study, a simple and environmentally friendly extraction method based on natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) was established to extract four bioactive steroidal saponins from Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma (DNR). A total of twenty-one types of choline chloride, betaine, and L-proline based NADESs were tailored, and the NADES composed of 1:1 molar ratio of choline chloride and malonic acid showed the best extraction efficiency for the four steroidal saponins compared with other NADESs. Then, the extraction parameters for extraction of steroidal saponins by selected tailor-made NADES were optimized using response surface methodology and the optimal extraction conditions are extraction time, 23.5 min; liquid–solid ratio, 57.5 mL/g; and water content, 54%. The microstructure of the DNR powder before and after ultrasonic extraction by conventional solvents (water and methanol) and the selected NADES were observed using field emission scanning electron microscope. In addition, the four steroidal saponins were recovered from NADESs by D101 macroporous resin with a satisfactory recovery yield between 67.27% and 79.90%. The present research demonstrates that NADESs are a suitable green media for the extraction of the bioactive steroidal saponins from DNR, and have a great potential as possible alternatives to organic solvents for efficiently extracting bioactive compounds from natural products.

Structures and Bioactivities of Steroidal Saponins Isolated from the Genera Dracaena and Sansevieria

The species Dracaena and Sansevieria, that are well-known for different uses in traditional medicines and as indoor ornamental plants with air purifying property, are rich sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. In fact, a wide variety of phytochemical constituents have been isolated so far from about seventeen species. This paper has reviewed the literature of about 180 steroidal saponins, isolated from Dracaena and Sansevieria species, as a basis for further studies. Saponins are among the most characteristic metabolites isolated from the two genera. They show a great variety in structural motifs and a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-proliferative effects and, in most case, remarkable cytotoxic properties.

Insecticidal activity of the extract, fractions, and pure steroidal saponins of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don for the control of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) and aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch)

BACKGROUND

Plutella xylostella L. is the major pest of crucifers globally, causing significant yield loss. Aphis craccivora Koch is the main sucking pest of legumes that transmit viral diseases, leading to economic yield reduction. To minimize loss due to pests, farmers/growers use synthetic insecticides frequently for their control, which led to insecticide resistance, detrimental to natural enemies of pest, environment, etc. Therefore, in this study, the insecticidal activity of plant extract, fractions, and pure steroidal saponins from Trillium govanianum was evaluated for their bio-efficacy against targeted pests.

RESULTS

Parent extract was found more effective (LC₅₀ = 1541.2 mg L^-1 ) against larvae of P. xylostella after 96 h than n-butanol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions (LC₅₀ = 3030, 3578 and 3878.1 mg L^-1 , respectively). For A. craccivora, ethyl acetate fraction (LC₅₀ = 2186.3 mg L^-1 ) was most effective after 96 h than n-hexane fraction (LC₅₀ = 2234.6 mg L^-1 ), n-butanol fraction (LC₅₀ = 2696.3 mg L^-1 ) and parent extract (LC₅₀ = 3709.1 mg L^-1 ). Among pure molecules, govanoside B was found more effective (76% mortality, LC₅₀ = 3279.5 mg L^-1 ) followed by borassoside E (74%, LC₅₀ = 3467.1 mg L^-1 ) against A. craccivora after 96 h.

CONCLUSION

Parent extract/fractions of T. govanianum showed promising efficacy against larvae of P. xylostella and A. craccivora. Further, field study is required for its bio-efficacy against targeted pests for validation and formulation development.

Steroidal saponins from Trillium govanianum as α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory agents

OBJECTIVE

To provide the scientific basis for the utility of rhizome of Trillium govanianum as nutraceutical supplements in managing physiological glycemic levels.

METHODS

The in vitro enzyme inhibitory activity of the extract, fractions, and the isolated steroidal saponins from the rhizome part of T. govanianum was carried out against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV. The molecular interactions, binding score, and pharmacokinetic parameters (absorption, distribution metabolism, and excretion) of steroidal saponins were analyzed by the Schrodinger molecular docking software.

KEY FINDINGS

Current study explained that the extract, fractions, and isolated steroidal saponins from T. govanianum possess good α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity while moderate dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activity. Moreover, in vitro results revealed that borassoside E (IC50 7.15 ± 1.78 μM), protodioscin (IC50 6.72 ± 0.04 μM), and diosgenin (IC50 12.75 ± 2.70 μM) are most effective in inhibiting the activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV, respectively. Current in silico and in vitro studies established an association between the steroidal saponins from T. govanianum and their molecular interactions with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

CONCLUSION

The results of this investigation suggest that fractions and steroidal saponins from T. govanianum exhibit good antidiabetic activity which could be used as nutraceutical supplements for the management of systemic glucose level.

[Identification of key enzyme genes involved in biosynthesis of steroidal saponins and analysis of biosynthesis pathway in Polygonatum cyrtonema]

Steroidal saponins, which are the characteristic and main active constituents of Polygonatum, exhibit a broad range of pharmacological functions, such as regulating blood sugar, preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and anti-tumor. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) analysis for the flowers, leaves, roots, and rhizomes of Polygonatum cyrtonema using the BGISEQ-500 platform to understand the biosynthesis pathway of steroidal saponins and study their key enzyme genes. The assembly of transcripts for four tissues generated 129 989 unigenes, of which 88 958 were mapped to several public databases for functional annotation, 22 813 unigenes were assigned to 53 subcategories and 64 877 unigenes were annotated to 136 pathways in KEGG database. Furthermore, 502 unigenes involved in the biosynthesis pathway of steroidal saponins were identified, of which 97 unigenes encoding 12 key enzymes. Cycloartenol synthase, the first key enzyme in the pathway of phytosterol biosynthesis, showed conserved catalytic domain and substrate binding domain based on sequence analysis and homology modeling. Differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were identified in rhizomes as compared to other tissues(flowers, leaves or roots).The 2 437 unigenes annotated by KEGG showed rhizome-specific expression, of which 35 unigenes involved in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins. Our results greatly extend the public transcriptome dataset of Polygonatum and provide valuable information for the identification of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins and other important secondary metabolites.

[Determination of five steroidal saponins in Paridis Rhizoma and its adulterants as well as consideration on its quantitative method described in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 edition)]

Paridis Rhizoma is prepared from the dried rhizoma of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis or P. polyphylla var. chinensis. For the improvement of the quality standard of Paridis Rhizoma described in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition), it is proposed that the quality marker no longer contains polyphyllin Ⅵ, and instead, polyphyllin H is an alternative for the quantitative analysis. To determine polyphyllin Ⅰ, Ⅱ, H and Ⅶ in the Paridis Rhizoma samples collected from the different growing area in China, HPLC method was established using the same chromatographic conditions as those for simultaneous determination of polyphyllin Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅵ and Ⅶ described in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition). The methodology validation indicated that there was a good linearity among the ranges of 0.006 48-0.828, 0.006 52-0.834, 0.006 17-0.790, 0.006 31-0.808 g·L~(-1) for polyphyllin Ⅰ, Ⅱ, H and Ⅶ, respectively. The average recoveries of four components were 100.2%-101.4%, with RSD less than 3.5%. The total amount of polyphyllin Ⅰ, Ⅱ, H and Ⅶ in the analyzed samples of P. polyphylla var. chinensis and P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis ranged from 0.050 9% to 3.99% and from 0.115% to 3.23%, respectively. In the tested samples collected from other Paris plants, there are high content of steroidal saponins in the samples of P. fargesii and P. forrestii, low content in the samples of P. polyphylla var. stenophylla, P. delavayi and P. thibetica, and almost not occurrence in the sample of P. mairei. As a representative adulterant of Paridis Rhizoma processed slices, 7 batches of Trillium samples contained high amount of polyphyllin Ⅵ and did not have polyphyllin H. Based on the present investigation, it is recommended that polyphyllin H together with polyphyllin Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅶ are suitable for the improvement of quality standard of Paridis Rhizoma and the total amount of four components are not less than 0.80%.

Phytochemical profile and insecticidal activity of Drimia pancration (Asparagaceae) against adults of Stegobium paniceum (Anobiidae)

Chemical and spectroscopic investigation of the bulbs of Drimia pancration resulted in the isolation of one known flavonol (1), never isolated from this plant species, and of three previously described steroidal saponins (2-4), but whose configuration at their stereogenic centres was not clearly determined. By mean of ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, nuclear overhauser effects (NOE) and two-dimensional NMR spectra the full stereochemical structures of compounds 2-4 were proved and all the ¹H and ¹³C signals were assigned. Furthermore, the methanol and butanol extracts of D. pancration were tested against adults of Stegobium paniceum beetles. Despite the non-significant results regarding the repellent activity and contact toxicity, promising results were obtained from the feeding tests.

Chemotaxonomic studies of 12 Dioscorea species from China by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis

INTRODUCTION

Dioscorea species, which contain abundant steroidal saponins, have been used as folk medicines or raw materials to synthesise steroid drugs.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rapid chemotaxonomic method that will comprehensively resolve confusions about genetic relationships of genus Dioscorea.

METHODS

A comprehensive strategy using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) was firstly proposed to evaluate the chemotaxonomy of 12 species (27 taxa) from China by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on the variations of the identified metabolites.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight secondary metabolites (mainly steroidal saponins) were identified. The MSⁿ fragmentation patterns of DA (a new acetylated steroidal saponin at C-7 position) were firstly reported. Moreover, eight major steroidal saponins were further quantified simultaneously by UPLC-QTOF-MS method. According to HCA results, D. bulbifera L. was distinguished with species of sect. Stenophora Uline for pennogenin-type steroidal saponins. Dioscorea zingiberensis exhibited far distance from other members of sect. Stenophora Uline for two unique saponins. Dioscorea banzhuana may be reclassified into sect. Stenophora. Dioscorea nipponica subsp. rosthornii and D. collettii var. hypoglauca might be separated from their original subspecies/varieties as new species, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The chemotaxonomic method was successfully applied in the study of genetic relationships of Dioscorea species. This study not only enhanced the understanding of chemical constituents, but also laid basic theoretical foundations for the rational utilisation and chemotaxonomy of genus Dioscorea.

Chemical constituents of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim

A new fatty acid-spirostan steroid glycoside ester, a new cholestane glycoside and a new stilbene trimer, along with three known steroidal saponins, were isolated from the 70% EtOH extract of the roots and rhizomes of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. The structure of isolated compounds was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1-6 were assessed for their cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HCT-116, DU-145, SGC-7901, MCF-7/ADR, K562/ADR), and the result showed that compound 4 was highly toxic to six human tumor cell lines.

Study on steroidal saponins in crude and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate statistical analysis

Fructus Tribuli is a traditional Chinese medicine used clinically for many years. Crude Fructus Tribuli and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli are recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, the differences between steroidal saponins in crude Fructus Tribuli and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli have not been compared. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry along with multivariate statistical analysis was developed to discriminate the chemical profiles and identify the steroidal saponins of crude Fructus Tribuli and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli. Additionally, an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer was used for the simultaneous quantification of nine major steroidal saponins to analyze the variations between crude Fructus Tribuli and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli. Finally, a total of 30 steroidal saponins whose structures or contents changed significantly after processing were found and identified. The mechanism of structural transformations deduced indicated that during the stir-frying of Fructus Tribuli, C-22 hydroxy furostanol saponins were converted to the corresponding furostanol saponins containing C-20-C-22 double bonds by dehydroxylation and deglycosylation reactions that occurred in the spirostanol saponins causing the generation of steroidal sapogenins. This study was successfully applied to the global analysis of crude Fructus Tribuli and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli. The results of this research will be beneficial to explore the processing mechanism of Fructus Tribuli.

Residue of Paclobutrazol and Its Regulatory Effects on the Secondary Metabolites of Ophiopogon japonicas

Currently, paclobutrazol is excessively used in the planting process of Ophiopogon japonicus (O. japonicus) due to its important role in regulating the growth of tuber roots, ultimately increasing the yield and shortening the growth cycle of Ophiopogonis Radix. For insight into this process and the potential risks of paclobutrazol and its mediated consequences on the secondary metabolites in Ophiopogonis Radix, corresponding high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric methods (HPLC-MS/MS) were developed in this study and then applied to Ophiopogonis Radix, soil, and water samples. The results demonstrated the detection of different levels of paclobutrazol residue were in Ophiopogonis Radix, soil, and water samples. In addition, the quantitative results of the secondary metabolites showed that paclobutrazol significantly decreased four steroidal saponins in Ophiopogonis Radix, especially ophiopogonin D, where the content was decreased from 824.87 to 172.50 mg/kg. Concurrently, ophiopogonanone C, a flavonoid in Ophiopogonis Radix, also significantly decreased from 2.66 to 1.33 mg/kg. In conclusion, the residual paclobutrazol and its negative regulation on the secondary metabolism of Ophiopogonis Radix brings potential hazards to the environment and human health. These results provide more comprehensive data that can be used for the reassessment of the use of paclobutrazol in O. japonicus and the formulation of related standards.