Search Results (292)

Species of Ilex genus are particularly rich in bioactive constituents such as polyphenols, saponins, and alkaloids. In terms of phytochemical research, volatile compounds have not been as widely investigated as non-volatile ones. Therefore, in the present research we investigated the phytochemical profile of selected Ilex species by headspace-solid phase-microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HD-SPME-GC/MS). Phytochemical profile between the same and different species was variable. For this reason, it was investigated by principal component analysis (PCA), matrix correlation (calculation of R² and Pearson correlation parameter between samples) as well as hierarchical clustering (dendrogram). In our results, we exhibited that the amount of (Z)-2-hexenal and methyl salicylate was the most important factor for ascertaining similarity between samples. However, concentrations of some of these components were insufficient to describe all dependencies between Ilex specimens. Further analyses (PCA and dendrogram), exhibited that thymoquinone had secondary impact on phytochemical profiles similarity, as did o-methyl-anisole, (E)-2-decenal, salicylaldehyde and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol. Differences of profile between samples may result from many factors such as local environmental conditions, creation of different chemotypes or even infestation by unknown pathogens or the presence of non-pathogenic microorganisms. Further research is required to investigate this phenomenon. Moreover, it was found that some of Ilex species may be potential sources of bioactive volatile components. Full article

In China, Pyracantha fortuneana has been consumed as a nutritious plant to improve indigestion. In the current study, the main chemical composition of P. fortuneana fruits was extracted and analysed for composition. Free fatty acids (FFA)-induced normal human hepatic L02 cells were used to construct a high-fat cell model, and lipid deposition in Caenorhabditis elegans was induced by a high concentration of glucose to study the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of the main components. The results showed that the flavonoid content of PFF (P. fortuneana Flavonoid Fractions) was 80.28%, and it contained various flavonoids such as epicatechin, isoquercetin, rutin, quercetin, and myricitrin, while the saponin content of PFS (P. fortuneana Saponin Fractions) was 74.4%, and it contained saponins such as shionone, crategolic acid, and ursolic acid. PFF and PFS significantly reduced the content of lipid droplets in high-fat L02 cells, inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential decline, regulated the fat accumulation by up-regulating the relative mRNA expression levels in the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, as well as the CPT-1 and SIRT1 genes in lipid metabolism. Meanwhile, both PFF and PFS significantly reduced lipid deposition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and catalase activity in C. elegans. In summary, our results indicated that the flavonoids and saponins of P. fortuneana are potential natural products in antihyperlipidemic effect. Full article

Camellia oleifera, a member of the Theaceae family and belonging to the Camellia Linn species, is a plant utilized for edible oil production and medicinal value. Its fruit is abundant in various bioactive compounds, including triterpene saponins, flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids, sterols, polysaccharides, and numerous other chemical constituents. Among these, triterpene saponins and flavonoids serve as the primary active ingredients. The pharmacological effects of C. oleifera fruits are diverse, encompassing anti-tumor properties, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity, lipid-lowering capability, anti-fungal property, and neuroprotective function. In recent years, this area has garnered significant attention from scholars both domestically and internationally. This article reviews the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of C. oleifera fruits, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for further research and development. Additionally, it offers a scientific foundation and innovative insights for clinical applications and the identification of relevant bioactive components. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a crop native to the Andean region, exhibits variable performance in yield components under rainfed Mediterranean conditions. Consequently, identifying varieties that demonstrate stability in key agronomic traits—regardless of environmental fluctuations—is essential for enhancing crop reliability and productivity. In this work, new five varieties belonging to the sea-level ecotype (Pangal, Nieves, Pincoya, Chucao and Regalona), with superior performance to local materials used by farmers in terms of uniformity, stability, yield characteristics, grain diameter, thousand-grain weight, protein percentage, and saponins, were established in three environments (Pichilemu 34°29′ S/72°01′ W, Coihueco 36°42′ S/72°42′ W, Cañete 37°51′ S/73°24′ W) during two consecutive seasons (2019/2020, 2020/2021). Data analysis confirmed narrow variability among the varieties analyzed and between season and environment in all characteristics evaluated. The Pichilemu area (close to the coast) was the most productive over the two years of cultivation studied, with grain yields reaching 2975 kg·ha⁻¹. In the Cañete (coastal) and Coihueco (foothill) environments, grain yields were 2892 and 2453 kg·ha⁻¹, respectively. The Pangal variety (pearl) had the highest grain yield, reaching 3162 kg·ha⁻¹ in all environments. Nieves (white) variety had the best grain diameter (GD = 1.88 mm) and the best thousand-grain weight (TGW = 3.10 g). Regarding grain protein concentration, the Pincoya (black) variety had the highest score (GP = 16.31%). The lowest concentration of Saponin was obtained in Chucao (red) variety (GS = 1.46%). The Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis did not identify any variety that exhibited greater yield and stability. Consequently, over the two years of study, the Nieves and Pangal varieties presented the best yield in the Pichilemu environment, with 3673 and 3788 kg·ha⁻¹, respectively. These varieties also stood out in the Cañete environment as obtaining the best yields (3547 and 3169 kg·ha⁻¹); however, they did not obtain the highest yield in the Coihueco environment. The Chucao variety was considered to have greater stability obtaining average yield in all study environments. This study presents a comprehensive phenotypic characterization of newly developed varieties, offering insights into their adaptive relationships with Mediterranean environments. To further elucidate the influence of environmental stressors on agronomic performance and grain quality traits, future trials are recommended in more extreme ecological settings. Full article

Astragalus membranaceus (AM), also known as Huangqi in Chinese, refers to the dried root of two Leguminosae species: AM (Fisch.) Bge. and its variety AM (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao. In recent years, research on AM has been published in many papers. Its role in treating metabolic syndrome (MetS) has attracted increasing attention. This review summarizes the research progress over the past five years on the chemical constituents of AM and its therapeutic potential in MetS-related diseases. Chemical analyses of AM have gradually expanded from its roots to its stems, leaves, and entire plant. The major compounds isolated from AM include flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides. Extraction methods include ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and in vitro intestinal absorption models combined with high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array–tandem mass spectrometry. AM and its active components exert beneficial effects on metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. These effects are achieved mainly through mechanisms such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, modulating gut microbiota, regulating lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, and protecting pancreatic β-cell function. This review provides a reference for further studies on treatment of MetS of AM. Full article

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a valuable medicinal plant whose primary active components, known as ginsenosides, play a significant role in anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. WRKY transcription factors represent a prominent class of transcription factors in higher plants, fulfilling essential functions in numerous processes such as plant growth and development, reactions to biotic and abiotic stresses, and the control of secondary metabolism. This study is based on the laboratory’s previous bioinformatics analysis of the WRKY gene family in ginseng. After in-depth analysis, the PgWRKY064-04 gene was identified, which is significantly associated with ginsenosides. The physicochemical properties and expression patterns of this gene were analyzed, indicating that its expression in ginseng is temporally and spatially specific. A subcellular localization vector for this gene was constructed, confirming that it functions in the cell nucleus. Subsequently, overexpression vectors and interference vectors for PgWRKY064-04 were constructed, and ginseng adventitious roots were transformed using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, successfully yielding positive materials. Gene expression levels and saponin content in the positive materials were detected, preliminary findings indicate that the expression of the PgWRKY064-04 gene is negatively correlated with the biosynthesis of ginsenosides. This study complements research on the functional roles of WRKY transcription factor family genes in ginseng, paving the way for future efforts to enhance ginsenoside production using modern biotechnological approaches. Full article

To investigate the effects of the endophytic fungus Setophoma terrestris (isolated from Panax notoginseng roots) on the growth and rhizosphere microbiota of understory-cultivated P. notoginseng, we prepared liquid and solid fermentates of the fungus and applied them separately via irrigation. Rhizosphere soil of P. notoginseng was subjected to non-targeted metabolomics and microbiome sequencing for detection and analysis. Relative to the control, P. notoginseng treated with liquid and solid fermentates exhibited increases in plant height (3.5% and 0.7%), chlorophyll content (23.4% and 20.4%), and total saponin content (14.6% and 17.0%), respectively. Non-targeted metabolomics identified 3855 metabolites across 23 classes, with amino acids and their derivatives (21.54%) and benzene derivatives (14.21%) as the primary components. The significantly altered metabolic pathways shared by the two treatment groups included ABC transporters, purine metabolism, and the biosynthesis of various other secondary metabolites. Exogenous addition of S. terrestris significantly affected the composition of the rhizosphere soil microbial community of P. notoginseng and increased the relative abundance of genera such as Bradyrhizobium. In conclusion, the endophytic fungus S. terrestris enhances P. notoginseng growth and modulates both rhizosphere soil metabolites and microbial abundance. This study can provide certain data support for research on endophytic fungi of P. notoginseng. Full article

Background/Objectives: Army Liposome Formulation with QS21 (ALFQ) is a vaccine adjuvant formulation consisting of liposomes that contain saturated zwitterionic and anionic phospholipids, 55 mol% cholesterol, and small molar amounts of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) and QS21 saponin as adjuvants. A unique aspect of ALFQ is that after addition of QS21 to nanoliposomes (<100 nm), the liposomes self-assemble through fusion to form giant (≥1000 nm) unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). The purpose of this study was to introduce and investigate new intermediate structures in the fusion process that we term tethered incomplete microspheres (TIMs), which were discovered by us incidentally as structures that were visible by phase contrast microscopy. Methods: Differential centrifugation; phase contrast microscopy; confocal microscopy of vesicles or TIMs which contain fluorescent chromophores linked to phospholipids or cholesterol; ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis of lipid components of liposomes and TIMs; and dynamic light scattering were all used for the characterization of TIMS. Results and Conclusions: (A) Sizes of TIMs range from overall aggregated structural sizes of ~1 µm to mega sizes of ≥200 µm. (B) Stable TIM structures occur when a fusion process is stopped by depletion of a fusogenic lipid during an evolving fusing of a lipid bilayer membrane. (C) TIMs consist of long-term stable (>2 years), but also metastable, tightly aggregated tear-drop or spherical incomplete GUVs tethered to visible masses of underlying vesicles that are not individually visible. (D) The TIMs and GUVs all contain phospholipid and cholesterol (when present) as bulk lipids. (E) Lyophilized liposomes lacking QS21 saponin, but which still contain MPLA (ALF55lyo), also self-assemble to form GUVs and TIMs. (F) Cholesterol is a required component in nanoliposomes for generation of GUVs and TIMs by addition of QS21. (G) Cholesterol is not required for production of GUVs and TIMs in ALFlyo, but cholesterol greatly reduces and narrows the polydisperse vesicle distribution. Full article

The saponin-rich plant extracts are mixtures of various surface-active and non-surface-active compound substances. Their exact composition depends on the type of plant and its part from which they were extracted. In this study, we analyze the wetting properties of the extract obtained by boiling soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) roots in water (SE). To this aim, the contact angle measurements of aqueous solutions of SE on apolar (AP) (polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE), monopolar (MP) (polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA), weak bipolar (WBP) (composites with varying content of cellulose and chitosan), and bipolar solids (BP) (quartz) were determined. The surface tension of the solids used for the contact angle measurements ranged from 20.24 to 47.7 mN/m. Based on the measured contact angles, the relationship between adhesion and surface tension, the cosine of the contact angle and surface tension, the cosine of the contact angle and the reciprocal of the surface tension, as well as the adsorption of the surface-active components of SE at the solid-solution and solid-air interfaces were analyzed. The results indicate that the adsorption of SE components at the hydrophobic solid-solution interface is comparable to that at the solution–air interface. Moreover, the Gibbs free energy of adsorption at the solid-air interface for all solids studied is comparable to that at the solution–air interface. Full article

Aralia chinensis L. has shown potential in breast cancer treatment, yet its pharmacodynamically active components and mechanisms remain undefined. To systematically identify the bioactive constituents absorbed into the bloodstream and elucidate their multi-target mechanisms against breast cancer, we employed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS) alongside serum pharmacochemistry to analyze the chemical constituents of total saponins derived from A. chinensis (TSAC) and to identify the blood-absorbed prototypes in a rat model. Network pharmacology predicted targets and pathways of serum prototypes, validated by molecular docking and in vitro experiments. We identified 38 triterpenoid saponins, 3 steroidal saponins, and 8 triterpenoids in TSAC, with 22 prototype compounds detected in serum. An integrative analysis encompassing 486 compound targets and 1747 genes associated with breast cancer elucidated critical pathways, notably the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and resistance mechanisms to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding of araloside A and elatoside L to SRC, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, STAT3, and EGFR. In MCF-7 cells, TSAC suppressed proliferation and migration while downregulating Src, PI3K, and EGFR expression at the gene and protein levels. This study successfully identified TSAC’s serum-absorbed bioactive components and demonstrated their anti-breast cancer effects via multi-target mechanisms involving the Src/PI3K/EGFR axis, providing a crucial pharmacological foundation for developing A. chinensis-derived breast cancer therapies. Full article

The use of vaccines incorporating subunit proteins and viral components has significantly increased in recent decades, emphasizing the need for more effective and modular adjuvants. This study examined saponins from Saponaria officinalis, regarded as one of the most promising plant sources for developing an adjuvant platform using nanocomplex formation. A nanoparticle adjuvant containing saponins from Saponaria officinalis can be used to stimulate a humoral immune response; this ability was demonstrated using a model that included various viral proteins. The humoral immune response enhanced by saponin-containing adjuvants can increase from four to sixteen times, depending on the type of antigen used. Additionally, this response surpasses that triggered by antigens paired with aluminum hydroxide and is comparable to responses induced by adjuvants that contain Quil A. The further investigation of these platforms may yield a broader range of immunostimulants that can enhance vaccine effectiveness. Full article

Two triterpene saponins, hederagenin glucosides, including a novel monodesmoside: 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] hederagenin (compound 1), were isolated from the fruits of Oxybasis rubra (L.) S.Fuentes, Uotila & Borsh (Amaranthaceae). These compounds, together with hederagenin itself (compound 4) and a commercially available 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl hederagenin ester (compound 3), were evaluated for cytotoxicity and selectivity across a wide panel of human cancer cell lines (skin, prostate, gastrointestinal, thyroid, and lung). All four compounds exhibited dose- and time-dependent effects, with varying potency depending on the specific cancer type. The isolated bidesmosidic saponin (3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] hederagenin 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester—compound 2) showed the strongest activity and selectivity, with an IC₅₀ = 6.52 μg/mL after 48 h incubation against WM793 melanoma, and almost no effect on normal HaCaT skin cells (IC₅₀ = 39.94 μg/mL). Multivariate analysis of the obtained data using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) supported the assumption that cytotoxicity is influenced by the type of compound, its concentration, and the intrinsic sensitivity of the cell line. Structure-activity observations between closely related hederagenin derivatives are also briefly presented. Full article

Livestock farming is a vital component of global food security, yet it remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH₄), which has a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂). This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge surrounding the sources, biological mechanisms, and mitigation strategies related to CH₄ emissions from ruminant livestock. We first explore the process of methanogenesis within the rumen, detailing the role of methanogenic archaea and the environmental factors influencing CH₄ production. A thorough assessment of both direct and indirect methods used to quantify CH₄ emissions is presented, including in vitro techniques (e.g., syringe method, batch culture, RUSITEC), in vivo techniques (e.g., respiration chambers, Greenfeed, laser CH₄ detectors), and statistical modeling approaches. The advantages and limitations of each method are critically analyzed in terms of accuracy, cost, feasibility, and applicability to different farming systems. We then examine a wide range of mitigation strategies, organized into four core pillars: (1) animal and feed management (e.g., genetic selection, pasture quality improvement), (2) diet formulation (e.g., feed additives such as oils, tannins, saponins, and seaweed), (3) rumen manipulation (e.g., probiotics, ionophores, defaunation, vaccination), and (4) manure management practices and policy-level interventions. These strategies are evaluated not only for their environmental impact but also for their economic and practical viability in diverse livestock systems. By integrating technological innovations with sustainable agricultural practices, this review highlights pathways to reduce CH₄ emissions while maintaining animal productivity. It aims to support decision-makers, researchers, and livestock producers in the global effort to transition toward climate-smart, low-emission livestock farming. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable materials has led to innovation in the development of natural compound-based solutions for industrial applications. This study introduces composite nanoparticles (NP-CsYBE) synthesized from chitosan (Cs) and saponin-rich yucca extract (YBE), highlighting their application in Pickering emulsions (PE). Characterization via DLS and AFM revealed NP-CsYBE as spherical particles with a hydrodynamic diameter of 230 nm and a ζ-potential of +36.9 mV, showing a non-aggregated morphology. Comparative analyses of emulsions formulated with Cs nanoparticles (Cs-NP) and YBE were conducted to assess the individual contributions of each component. Functional evaluations revealed that PE based on NP-CsYBE exhibited superior stability over time compared to those with Cs-NP or YBE alone. Additionally, the rheological properties of NP-CsYBE PE were influenced by pH: liquid-viscous behavior dominated at pH 4, while at pH 6.5, solid-elastic properties prevailed. Notably, increased temperature enhanced its mechanical properties. This innovative approach provides a framework for applying natural nanoparticles in PE formation, offering potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, medical, and cosmetic industries, as well as biomaterials for protecting lipophilic substances. By leveraging natural resources, this work advances the understanding of natural nanoparticle-based systems and their role in developing sustainable and functional materials for industrial use. Full article

Objective: Our objective was to explore the regulatory mechanism of salt processing on the metabolome of the raspberry and its potential efficacy against diabetic nephropathy (DN), providing metabolomic and network pharmacological evidence for the scientific connotation of traditional Chinese medicine processing. Methods: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics was used to compare the metabolic profiles between raw and salt-processed raspberries. Network pharmacology was applied to screen the common targets of the active components in the salt-processed raspberry and DN-related pathways, followed by in vitro cell experiments to validate the regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Results: The metabolomic analysis identified 80 differentially expressed metabolites, among which 13 key components (VIP ≥ 1, FC ≥ 2) were significantly altered, including enriched flavonoids (e.g., luteolin-7-O-glucoside), triterpenoid saponins (Raspberryides H/F), and phenolic acids (ellagic acid). The network pharmacology revealed that the salt-processed raspberries regulated the DN-related pathways through 122 common targets, with the core nodes focusing on the signaling molecules (e.g., AKT1, EGFR) involved in the MAPK signaling pathway and apoptosis regulation. The in vitro experiments confirmed that the salt-processed raspberry extract (160–640 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of p38/ERK/JNK in high-glucose-induced renal cells. Conclusions: This study firstly combines metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the regulatory mechanism of salt processing on the active components of raspberries. The salt-processing technology enhanced the inhibitory effect of raspberries on the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating the progression of DN. These findings provide scientific support for establishing a metabolomics-based quality control system for traditional Chinese medicine processing. The current findings are primarily based on in vitro models, and in vivo validation using DN animal models is essential to confirm the therapeutic efficacy and safety of salt-processed raspberries. Full article