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Ma Y, Zhao Y, Luo M, Jiang Q, Liu S, Jia Q, Bai Z, Wu F, Xie J. Advancements and challenges in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic research on the traditional Chinese medicine saponins: a comprehensive review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1393409. [PMID: 38774213 PMCID: PMC11106373 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1393409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) saponin pharmacokinetics has revealed transformative breakthroughs and challenges. The multicomponent nature of TCM makes it difficult to select representative indicators for pharmacokinetic studies. The clinical application of saponins is limited by their low bioavailability and short half-life, resulting in fluctuating plasma concentrations. Future directions should focus on novel saponin compounds utilizing colon-specific delivery and osmotic pump systems to enhance oral bioavailability. Optimizing drug combinations, such as ginsenosides with aspirin, shows therapeutic potential. Rigorous clinical validation is essential for practical applications. This review emphasizes a transformative era in saponin research, highlighting the need for clinical validation. TCM saponin pharmacokinetics, guided by traditional principles, are in development, utilizing multidisciplinary approaches for a comprehensive understanding. This research provides a theoretical basis for new clinical drugs and supports rational clinical medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yongxia Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Mingxia Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Sha Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qi Jia
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhixun Bai
- Organ Transplant Center, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Faming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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Wijesekara T, Luo J, Xu B. Critical review on anti-inflammation effects of saponins and their molecular mechanisms. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2007-2022. [PMID: 38372176 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
This review highlights the increasing interest in one of the natural compounds called saponins, for their potential therapeutic applications in addressing inflammation which is a key factor in various chronic diseases. It delves into the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of these amphiphilic compounds, prevalent in plant-based foods and marine organisms. Their structures vary with soap-like properties influencing historical uses in traditional medicine and sparking renewed scientific interest. Recent research focuses on their potential in chronic inflammatory diseases, unveiling molecular actions such as NF-κB and MAPK pathway regulation and COX/LOX enzyme inhibition. Saponin-containing sources like Panax ginseng and soybeans suggest novel anti-inflammatory therapies. The review explores their emerging role in shaping the gut microbiome, influencing composition and activity, and contributing to anti-inflammatory effects. Specific examples, such as Panax notoginseng and Gynostemma pentaphyllum, illustrate the intricate relationship between saponins, the gut microbiome, and their collective impact on immune regulation and metabolic health. Despite promising findings, the review emphasizes the need for further research to comprehend the mechanisms behind anti-inflammatory effects and their interactions with the gut microbiome, underscoring the crucial role of a balanced gut microbiome for optimal health and positioning saponins as potential dietary interventions for managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharuka Wijesekara
- Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Jinhai Luo
- Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Baojun Xu
- Food Science and Technology Program, Department of Life Sciences, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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Kim JY, Kim TY, Son SR, Kim SY, Kwon J, Kwon HC, Lee CJ, Jang DS. Triterpenoidal Saponins from the Leaves of Aster koraiensis Offer Inhibitory Activities against SARS-CoV-2. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:303. [PMID: 38276760 PMCID: PMC10819127 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Triterpenoidal saponins have been reported to be able to restrain SARS-CoV-2 infection. To isolate antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2 from the leaves of Aster koraiensis, we conducted multiple steps of column chromatography. We isolated six triperpenoidal saponins from A. koraiensis leaves, including three unreported saponins. Their chemical structures were determined using HR-MS and NMR data analyses. Subsequently, we tested the isolates to assess their ability to impede the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (pSARS-CoV-2) into ACE2+ H1299 cells and found that five of the six isolates displayed antiviral activity with an IC50 value below 10 μM. Notably, one unreported saponin, astersaponin J (1), blocks pSARS-CoV-2 in ACE2+ and ACE2/TMPRSS2+ cells with similar IC50 values (2.92 and 2.96 μM, respectively), without any significant toxic effect. Furthermore, our cell-to-cell fusion and SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 binding assays revealed that astersaponin J inhibits membrane fusion, thereby blocking both entry pathways of SARS-CoV-2 while leaving the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike and ACE2 unaffected. Overall, this study expands the list of antiviral saponins by introducing previously undescribed triterpenoidal saponins isolated from the leaves of A. koraiensis, thereby corroborating the potency of triterpenoid saponins in impeding SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Young Kim
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (J.-Y.K.); (S.-R.S.)
| | - Tai Young Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - So-Ri Son
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (J.-Y.K.); (S.-R.S.)
| | - Suyeon Yellena Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Jaeyoung Kwon
- KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.K.)
| | - Hak Cheol Kwon
- KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (H.C.K.)
| | - C. Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.K.); (C.J.L.)
| | - Dae Sik Jang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (J.-Y.K.); (S.-R.S.)
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Fauquet J, Carette J, Duez P, Zhang J, Nachtergael A. Microfluidic Diffusion Sizing Applied to the Study of Natural Products and Extracts That Modulate the SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD/ACE2 Interaction. Molecules 2023; 28:8072. [PMID: 38138562 PMCID: PMC10745392 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and ACE2 proteins is a crucial step for host cell infection by the virus. Without it, the entire virion entrance mechanism is compromised. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of various natural product classes, including flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins, ivermectin, chloroquine, and erythromycin, to modulate this interaction. To accomplish this, we applied a recently developed a microfluidic diffusional sizing (MDS) technique that allows us to probe protein-protein interactions via measurements of the hydrodynamic radius (Rh) and dissociation constant (KD); the evolution of Rh is monitored in the presence of increasing concentrations of the partner protein (ACE2); and the KD is determined through a binding curve experimental design. In a second time, with the protein partners present in equimolar amounts, the Rh of the protein complex was measured in the presence of different natural products. Five of the nine natural products/extracts tested were found to modulate the formation of the protein complex. A methanol extract of Chenopodium quinoa Willd bitter seed husks (50 µg/mL; bisdesmoside saponins) and the flavonoid naringenin (1 µM) were particularly effective. This rapid selection of effective modulators will allow us to better understand agents that may prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Fauquet
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Julie Carette
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Pierre Duez
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
| | - Jiuliang Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Amandine Nachtergael
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium; (J.F.); (P.D.); (A.N.)
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Timilsena YP, Phosanam A, Stockmann R. Perspectives on Saponins: Food Functionality and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13538. [PMID: 37686341 PMCID: PMC10487995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Saponins are a diverse group of naturally occurring plant secondary metabolites present in a wide range of foods ranging from grains, pulses, and green leaves to sea creatures. They consist of a hydrophilic sugar moiety linked to a lipophilic aglycone, resulting in an amphiphilic nature and unique functional properties. Their amphiphilic structures enable saponins to exhibit surface-active properties, resulting in stable foams and complexes with various molecules. In the context of food applications, saponins are utilized as natural emulsifiers, foaming agents, and stabilizers. They contribute to texture and stability in food products and have potential health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering and anticancer effects. Saponins possess additional bioactivities that make them valuable in the pharmaceutical industry as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic agents to name a few. Saponins can demonstrate cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines and can also act as adjuvants, enhancing the immune response to vaccines. Their ability to form stable complexes with drugs further expands their potential in drug delivery systems. However, challenges such as bitterness, cytotoxicity, and instability under certain conditions need to be addressed for effective utilization of saponins in foods and related applications. In this paper, we have reviewed the chemistry, functionality, and application aspects of saponins from various plant sources, and have summarized the regulatory aspects of the food-based application of quillaja saponins. Further research to explore the full potential of saponins in improving food quality and human health has been suggested. It is expected that this article will be a useful resource for researchers in food, feed, pharmaceuticals, and material science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakindra Prasad Timilsena
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Agriculture and Food, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia;
| | - Arissara Phosanam
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Faculty of Natural Resources and Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakhon Nakon 47000, Thailand;
| | - Regine Stockmann
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Agriculture and Food, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia;
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