Triterpenoid saponins from the roots of tea plant (Camellia sinensis var. assamica)

Widely targeted metabolomic and KEGG analyses of natural deep eutectic solvent-based saponins extraction from Camellia oleifera Abel.: Effects on composition

Camellia saponins are important by-products of Camellia Oleifer Abel. processing. In this study, an eco-friendly method based on natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs, proline and glycerol at a molar ratio of 2:5) was established to extract saponins from C.oleifera cakes. The content of saponin (702.22 ± 1.28 mg/g) obtained using NaDES was higher than those extracted using water or methanol. UPLC-Q-TOF MS analysis of chemical structure showed that the difference in the extraction technique alter individual saponins. A widely targeted metabolomic approach and KEGG metabolic pathway analysis showed that the upregulated metabolites in the NaDES-based extract mainly included flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids; and they were involved in arginine and proline metabolism, metabolic pathways, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and flavonoid biosynthesis. The present study proposes a selective substitute for use in the extraction of camellia saponins with composition analysis.

Triterpenoid saponins from Camellia sinensis roots with cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects

Camellia sinensis L. (Theaceae) leaves have been used as a beverage in both Eastern and Western cultures for a long time, while its root has not been intensively studied. In this study, seven undescribed triterpenoid saponins (1-7) and twelve known saponins (8-19) with different combinations of substituents, such as oxygenated isoprenyl substituents and sugar moieties, and lengths of sugar chains, were isolated from the C. sinensis roots. Their structures were unequivocally determined using one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance data and acid hydrolysis analysis. Investigation of the biological activities of isolated compounds revealed that only those without functional acetyl groups exhibited cytotoxic activities against mouse and human cancer cells (B16F10) and human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) at 50 μM. Compounds with an aldehyde group at C-23 of aglycone showed immunomodulatory activity against Th1 and Th17 cells at 10 μM. Ten compounds with biological activities from C. sinensis roots extracts, including three previously undescribed ones (3, 6, and 7), were identified.

Roles of Essential Oils, Polyphenols, and Saponins of Medicinal Plants as Natural Additives and Anthelmintics in Ruminant Diets: A Systematic Review

Public awareness on health and safety issues in using antibiotics for livestock production has led many countries to ban the use of all growth-promoting antibiotics (GPA) for livestock feeding. The ban on the utilization of antibiotics in livestock, on the other hand, is an opportunity for researchers and livestock practitioners to develop alternative feed additives that are safe for both livestock and the consumers of animal derived foods. Many feed additives were developed from a number of plants that contain secondary metabolites, such as essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins. These secondary metabolites are extracted from various parts of many types of plants for their uses as feed additives and anthelmintics. Recent investigations on using essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins as dietary additives and anthelmintics demonstrate that they can increase not only the production and health of ruminants but also ensure the safety of the resulting foods. There are many publications on the advantageous impacts of dietary plant bioactive components on ruminants; however, a comprehensive review on individual bioactive constituents of each plant secondary metabolites along with their beneficial effects as feed additives and anthelmintics on ruminants is highly required. This current study reviewed the individual bioactive components of different plant secondary metabolites and their functions as additives and anthelmintics to improve ruminant production and health, with respect to safety, affordability and efficiency, using a systematic review procedure.

Application of response surface methodology to optimise the extraction of tea saponin from Camellia oleifera, and their verification by HPLC

Single factor combined with response surface methodology was used to optimise the process parameters of tea saponin extraction from Camellia oleifera. Four factors including material-liquid ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time, and ethanol concentration were selected as the influencing factors on the basis of single factor. The extraction rate of tea saponin was used as the response factor to analyse the response of these four factors and three levels. Results showed that extraction temperature of 81.69°C, material-liquid ratio of 1:11.85 g/mL, time of 6.17 h, and ethanol concentration of 56.69% were the best extraction conditions. The estimated yield of extraction was 7.46%. Analysis of the tea saponin samples by using high performance liquid chromatography showed that the main peak time was 6.668 min, and the absorption peaks and peaks were symmetric.

Phytochemical constituents of Camellia osmantha fruit cores with antithrombotic activity

Camellia osmantha is a new species of the genus Camellia and is an economically important ornamental plant. Its activity and ingredients are less studied than other Camellia plants. This study investigated the antithrombotic effect and chemical components of C. osmantha fruit cores using platelet aggregation assays and coagulation function tests. The cores of C. osmantha fruits were extracted with ethanol to obtain a crude extract. The extract was dissolved in water and further eluted with different concentrations of methanol on an MCI resin column to obtain three fractions. These samples were used for antithrombotic activity tests and phytochemical analysis. The results showed that the extract and its fractions of C. osmantha have strong antithrombotic activity, significantly reducing the platelet aggregation rate and prolonging the thrombin time (TT). The total saponins, flavonoids, and polyphenols in the active fractions may be responsible for the antithrombotic activity. The chemical constituents were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS). Twenty-three compounds were identified rapidly and accurately. Among them, ellagic acid, naringenin, and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide may be important antithrombotic constituents. Furthermore, interactions between these compounds and the P2Y1 receptor were investigated via molecular modeling, because the P2Y1 receptor is a key drug target of antiplatelet aggregative activity. The molecular docking results suggested that these compounds could combine tightly with the P2Y1R protein. Our results showed that C. osmantha fruit cores are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins, which can be developed into a promising antithrombotic functional beverage for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Natural barrigenol-like triterpenoids: A comprehensive review of their contributions to medicinal chemistry

Barrigenol-like triterpenoids (BATs), which contain an unusual oleanane substituted by many hydroxyl groups as the skeleton, are subdivided into five subtypes: barrigenol A₁, barrigenol A₂, barrigenol R₁, barringtogenol C, and 16-deoxybarringtogenol C. The variations in acyl derivatives, hydroxyl groups, and carbohydrate chains in their structures have enhanced the diversity of BATs. Moreover, the stable polyhydroxy-replaced pentacyclic skeleton provides an ideal platform for structural modifications. To date, more than 500 BAT derivatives have been isolated from plants. Synchronously, BATs possess anti-tumour, anti-Alzheimer's disease, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-obesity and anti-allergic activities by regulating numerous cellular molecules. Some BAT derivatives, such as escin obtained from Aesculus hippocastanum L. and xanthoceraside isolated from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge, have been used to treat encephaloedema or inflammatory diseases. This review aims to provide comprehensive information about the chemistry, sources, bioavailability, and anti-tumour effects of BATs, with a particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of action. The pharmacokinetics and clinical progress are also concerned. More than 300 structures identified over past 25 years are summarized here (249 compounds) and in the supplementary information (114 compounds). Accordingly, the pharmaceutical activity of barrigenol triterpenoids suggests that some compounds should be developed as promising anti-tumour or anti- Alzheimer's disease agents in future.

Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Activating Triterpenoid Saponins from Camellia japonica Roots

Oxidative stress due to the presence of excess reactive oxygen species may cause cancers, aging, and many other conditions. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) may control abnormal oxidative stress as a transcription factor by inducing antioxidant-related genes via antioxidant response elements (AREs) in the gene promoters. The 11 triterpenoid saponins (1-11) isolated from Camellia japonica roots were tested for ARE-luciferase activity and Nrf2 accumulation in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). The ARE-luciferase activity was significantly increased by compounds 1-11 (25 μM) as a result of nuclear Nrf2 accumulation in the cells. Thus, these compounds may contribute to the induction of Nrf2 activity against oxidative damage in cells.

Triterpenoid saponins from the genus Camellia: structures, biological activities, and molecular simulation for structure–activity relationship

This review summarizes the isolation, chemical identification, and biochemical activities of Camellia triterpenoid saponins, updating a previous review and encompassing all new studies through September 2017.

Ethnopharmacological survey on medicinal plants used in herbal drinks among the traditional communities of Pakistan

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

There is very limited information regarding medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Pakistan, for treating wide-ranging diseases. Current study provides significant ethnopharmacological information, both qualitative and quantitative on medical plants in Pakistan and the pharmacological importance of herbal drinks, especially in the discovery of new drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current ethnomedicinal field study was conducted from various traditional communities of Pakistan to document usage of medicinal plants as herbal drinks. Data was collected through field interviews from local people and using semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using quantitative indices such as UV (use value), RFC (Relative frequency of citation), and FL (Fidelity level).

RESULTS

The present study recorded 217 plant species belonging to 174 genera and 69 families used in herbal drinks preparations. Major herbal preparations include decoctions, infusions and juice. According to use reports, significant species were Aloe vera, Artemisia fragrans, Allium cepa, Senegalia catechu, Alternanthera sessilis, Malva ludwigii, Arnebia benthamii, Cichorium intybus, Coccinia grandis, Dalbergia sissoo. Major ailment treated with herbal drinks include heartburn, fever, diarrhea, hypertension, and others. Use value (UV) varies from 0.23 to 0.02, with Mentha arvensis (0.23) having the highest value of UV followed by Mentha longifolia (0.22), Plantago lanceolate (0.19), Achillea millefolium (0.18), Coriandrum sativum (0.18), Justicia adhatoda and Malva sylvestris (0.17). Values of RFC varies from 0.28 to 0.09 while Fidelity level (FL) among plants varies from 37.5 to 100. Alternanthera sessilis, Oxytropis lapponica, Millettia pinnata and Salvia bucharica had the highest FL value (100).

CONCLUSION

The use of medicinal plants is prevalent in traditional communities of Pakistan. Different herbal preparations are in common practice including various herbal drinks a common tradition and much favoured herbal preparation in terms of its results and regarded as reciprocal to modern drugs. Therefore, suggesting further pharmacological, phytochemical evaluation for essential metabolites and chemical constituents.

21-O-angeloyltheasapogenol E3, a novel triterpenoid saponin from the seeds of tea plants, inhibits macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses in a NF-κB-dependent manner

21-O-Angeloyltheasapogenol E3 (ATS-E3) is a triterpenoid saponin recently isolated from the seeds of the tea tree Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze. ATS-E3 has several beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, and anticancer effects. Unlike other phenolic compounds isolated from tea plants, there are no studies reporting the pharmacological action of ATS-E3. In this study, we therefore aimed to explore the cellular and molecular inhibitory activities of ATS-E3 in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses. ATS-E3 remarkably diminished cellular responses of macrophages such as FITC-dextran-induced phagocytic uptake, sodium nitroprusside- (SNP-) induced radical generation, and LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. Analysis of its molecular activity showed that this compound significantly suppressed the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), nuclear translocation of nuclear factor- (NF-) κB subunits (p50 and p65), phosphorylation of inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK), and the enzyme activity of AKT1. Taken together, the novel triterpenoid saponin compound ATS-E3 contributes to the beneficial effects of tea plants by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities in an AKT/IKK/NF-κB-dependent manner.

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

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

Triterpenoid glycosides from the stems of Gordonia kwangsiensis

Eleven oleanane-type triterpenoid glycosides, named gordonsaponins A-K, were isolated from the stems of Gordonia kwangsiensis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods. The cytotoxic activities of all eleven were evaluated against five human tumor cell lines (HCT-8, Bel-7402, BGC-823, A549, and A2780), with only one having activity against all tested cell lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.1 to 2.41 μM.

Antileukemic activity of the leaf extract of Bischofia javanica blume on human leukemic cell lines

OBJECTIVE

Leaves of Bichofia javanica (BJ) have been traditionally used for many ailments including cancer. In the present study, antileukemic activity of the leaf extract was evaluated on human leukemic cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human leukemic cell lines U937, K562, and HL60 were purchased from National Facility for Animal Tissue and Cell Culture, Pune, India. The cells were routinely maintained in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% heat inactivated fetal calf serum. Cultures were maintained at 37ºC in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO(2) in air. The methanol extract of BJ (MEBJ) was dissolved in PBS and used at the concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 μg/ml for cell viability and cytotoxicity studies (MTT assay). Cell counts were made in quadruplicate samples at the interval of 24, 48, and 72 h and cytarabine (20 μg/ml) served as standard drug. The apoptotic pathway of cytotoxicity was assessed by DNA agarose gel electrophoresis technique and confirmed by fluorescence and confocal microscopic methods at the concentration of 10 μg/ml.

RESULTS

MEBJ showed significant cytotoxicity (P<0.001) in leukemic cell lines in the in-vitro cell proliferation assay. IC(50) of MEBJ was very low (3.5 μg/ml) at 72 h in the HL60 cell line. The apoptotic pathway of cytotoxicity was observed at 10 μg/ml of MEBJ by the fragmented DNA pattern in the apoptosis assay, chromatin condensation, and apoptotic body formation as revealed in the fluorescence and confocal microscopic studies.

CONCLUSION

The present findings support the ethno-medicinal use of BJ for cancer by mediating through the apoptosis pathway.

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

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

Cytotoxic triterpenoid glycosides from the roots of Gordonia chrysandra

Eight new oleanane triterpenoid glycosides, gordonosides A-H (1-8), were isolated from a 50% EtOH extract of the roots of Gordonia chrysandra. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and ESIMS, and by chemical methods. Among these substances, compounds 1, 3, 5, and 6 exhibited cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines, with 3 being the most potent.

Oleanane-type isomeric triterpenoids from Barringtonia racemosa

Two new isomeric acylated oleanane-type triterpenoids along with three known compounds were isolated from the MeOH extract of the dried fruits of Barringtonia racemosa. On the basis of spectroscopic methods, with special emphasis on 1D and 2D NMR techniques as well as chemical methods, the structures were characterized as racemosol A (1) [22alpha-acetoxy-3beta,15alpha,16alpha,21beta-tetrahydroxy-28-(2-methylbutyryl)olean-12-ene] and isoracemosol A (2) [21beta-acetoxy-3beta,15alpha,16alpha,28-tetrahydroxy-22alpha-(2-methylbutyryl)olean-12-ene]. The isolated compounds (1-5) were not active against HeLa and P388 D1 carcinoma cell lines.

Triterpenoidal saponins from Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides

Oleanane-type triterpenoidal saponins, hydrocosisaponins A-F (1-6), along with a known saponin, hydrocotyloside VII (7), were isolated from Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including NMR spectroscopic techniques ((13)C, (1)H, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, TOCSY and NOESY). Biological evaluation established that saponins possessing four sugar units (three d-glucoses and one l-arabinose) (4-7) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against KB, Daoy and WiDr human tumor cell lines.

Acylation with diangeloyl groups at C21–22 positions in triterpenoid saponins is essential for cytotoxcity towards tumor cells

Saponins are natural surfactants, found in many plants. Certain saponins are bioactive compounds with anticancer, antivirus and hemolytic activities. The mechanism is unknown. A saponin with antitumor activity was identified in Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge (Sapindaceae) and purified. This saponin is a triterpenoid saponin with a trisaccharide chain attached at C3 of the aglycone and two angeloyl groups acylated at C21 and C22. It inhibits the growth of tumor cells with IC50=2 microg/ml in OVCAR3 cells. To study the structure-activity relationship, the diangeloyl group or the carbohydrates of Xanifolia-Y were removed and tested for activity. It was found that removal of both angeloyl groups in C21 and C22 positions completely abolished its activity (IC50>120 microg/ml). However, when carbohydrates were remove, its activity was reduced but was not abolished (IC50=10 microg/ml). These results suggest that a presence of diangeloyl group in the triterpene structure play an essential role for activity. By comparison, compounds with a similar structure as Xanifolia-Y but have only one angeloyl group at C22: Xanifolia-X (IC50=6 microg/ml) or at C21: beta-escin (IC50=10 microg/ml), have less activity. Results suggest that diangeloyl group in both C21 and C22 positions are important contributing activity. Similar results were observed in hemolytic activity. It is concluded that acylation with angeloyl group at C21 and C22 positions of triterpenoid saponin is essential for its activity.

Saponins, classification and occurrence in the plant kingdom

Saponins are a structurally diverse class of compounds occurring in many plant species, which are characterized by a skeleton derived of the 30-carbon precursor oxidosqualene to which glycosyl residues are attached. Traditionally, they are subdivided into triterpenoid and steroid glycosides, or into triterpenoid, spirostanol, and furostanol saponins. In this study, the structures of saponins are reviewed and classified based on their carbon skeletons, the formation of which follows the main pathways for the biosynthesis of triterpenes and steroids. In this way, 11 main classes of saponins were distinguished: dammaranes, tirucallanes, lupanes, hopanes, oleananes, taraxasteranes, ursanes, cycloartanes, lanostanes, cucurbitanes, and steroids. The dammaranes, lupanes, hopanes, oleananes, ursanes, and steroids are further divided into 16 subclasses, because their carbon skeletons are subjected to fragmentation, homologation, and degradation reactions. With this systematic classification, the relationship between the type of skeleton and the plant origin was investigated. Up to five main classes of skeletons could exist within one plant order, but the distribution of skeletons in the plant kingdom did not seem to be order- or subclass-specific. The oleanane skeleton was the most common skeleton and is present in most orders of the plant kingdom. For oleanane type saponins, the kind of substituents (e.g. -OH, =O, monosaccharide residues, etc.) and their position of attachment to the skeleton were reviewed. Carbohydrate chains of 18 monosaccharide residues can be attached to the oleanane skeleton, most commonly at the C3 and/or C17 atom. The kind and positions of the substituents did not seem to be plant order-specific.

Isotheasaponins B1-B3 from Camellia sinensis var. sinensis tea leaves

Three saponins, isotheasaponins B1-B3, were isolated from the leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, and their structures were determined to be theasapogenol B [beta-D-galactopyranosyl(1-->2)][beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl(1-->3)]-beta-D-gulcopyranosiduronic acid with two acyl groups by spectroscopic analysis.

Effects of tea saponins on in vitro ruminal fermentation and growth performance in growing Boer goat

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of tea saponins (TS) on in vitro ruminal fermentation and growth performance in growing Boer goats. In Experiment 1, the Reading Pressure Technique (RPT) system was used to investigate the effect of addition of TS (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/ml) on the ruminal fermentation in vitro. The 24h gas production and methane emission were significantly decreased when 0.4 or 0.8mg TS was included, suggesting that the TS could inhibit the release of methane. Compared to the control, the TS had little effect on pH values and the concentration of total volatile fatty acids in the ruminal fluids. However, the fermentation patterns were changed, with lower acetate and higher proportions of propionate when TS was added. Ammonia-N concentration and protozoal counts were significantly reduced, while microbial protein yield was increased by the TS addition, suggesting that the TS could modify the ruminal fermentation. In Experiment 2, 27 growing Boer goats were used to evaluate the effects of the TS addition on growth performance. The animals received the same basal diets, and added TS at levels of 0 (C), 3 g (T1) and 6 g (T2) per day. The experiment lasted for 60 days with the first 15 days for adaptation. Blood samples were obtained by jugular venipuncture before the morning feeding on the final day of the experiment. During the whole periods, dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed efficiency in T1 were higher than in the other two. Serum total protein, albumin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, Ca and P and alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in group T1 than in C and T2, whereas the blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and total cholesterol were lower in the TS-added groups. The concentrations of glucose, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase were not affected by the TS. From the results obtained in this study, it is inferred that the TS could modify the ruminal fermentation and that proper doses of TS may have potential in improving the animal growth performance, whereas at high doses, it may have adverse effects on animal production.

Cytotoxic and apoptogenic effect of tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) root extract (TRE) and two of its steroidal saponins TS1 and TS2 on human leukemic cell lines K562 and U937 and on cells of CML and ALL patients

The anticancer activity of di- and tri-terpenes and other polyphenolic compounds present in tea is already reported. We evaluated the cytotoxic and apoptogenic effect of tea root extract (TRE) and two of its steroidal saponins named as TS1 and TS2, on human cell lines and on cells from leukemic patients. It was found that TRE, TS1 and TS2 significantly decreased cell count and that TRE caused apoptosis, as confirmed morphologically by confocal microscopy and by flow-cytometric analysis using Annexin-V FITC and propidium iodide (PI). Cell count and MTT assay in normal white blood cells (WBC) of healthy volunteers revealed that TRE produced insignificant reduction in cell count and cytotoxicity.

Two new triterpenoid saponins from Symplocos chinensis

Two new triterpenoid saponins, symplocososides X (1) and Y (2) have been isolated from the roots of Symplocos chinensis, and their structures elucidated as 21beta-O- cinnamoyl-22alpha-O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-15alpha, 16alpha, 28-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-3beta-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 2)]-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl (1 --> 4)-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (1) and 21beta-O-cinnamoyl-22alpha-O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-15alpha, 16alpha, 28-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-3beta-O-(3-O-acetyl)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 2)]-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl (1 --> 4)-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (2) by spectral and chemical methods. Their antitumor activities have also been tested.

Biological activities and distribution of plant saponins

Plant saponins are widely distributed amongst plants and have a wide range of biological properties. The more recent investigations and findings into their biological activities were summarized. Isolation studies of saponins were examined to determine which are the more commonly studied plant families and in which families saponins have been identified.

Anti-inflammatory activity of tea (Camellia sinensis) root extract

Pharmacological studies were carried out with methanol-water (1:1) extract of dried tea (Camellia sinensis) root extract (TRE). TRE was found to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities at 1/10th of its LD50 dose of 100 mg/kg i.p. It was found that TRE inhibited the arachidonic acid-induced paw oedema in rats which indicated that TRE produced the anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting both the cyclooxygenase and lypooxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. TRE also enhanced peritoneal cell count and the number of macrophages in normal mice. It is plausible that the saponins present in TRE may be responsible for these activities of TRE.

Study of anti-inflammatory activity of Tibetan mushroom, a symbiotic culture of bacteria and fungi encapsulated into a polysaccharide matrix

Tibetan mushroom (TM) is a fermented beverage composed by a dozen of bacteria and yeasts living together into polysaccharide grains secreted by them. TM is similar to kefir, a probiotic beverage originated in the Caucasian mountains exhibiting some anti-bacterial, anti-mycotic, anti-neoplastic and immunomodulatory effects. Aiming to evaluate a plausible anti-inflammatory property of TM we conducted cotton-induced granuloma and paw edema assays in rats, the latter using carrageenin, dextran and histamine as stimuli. TM samples were thawed and continuously cultured during 15 days into molasses solutions (50 g/l). The experiments used TM suspensions after 24h fermentation and TM grains mechanically disintegrated. The results showed a significant inhibition on the formation of granuloma tissue for the test group as compared to the negative control group. TM suspensions presented an inhibition of 43% for the inflammatory process. Rat paw edema also showed significant decreases with the mediators. The edema induced by carrageenin was inhibited 62% at the 3rd hour. The edema dextran-induced was completely inhibited at 1h and antagonized the histamine edema 52% at 1h.