Gut microbiota-mediated metabolism of Panax notoginseng saponins and its role in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)are a class of effective ingredients in Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,a well-known herbal medicine called San-Qi in Chinese.After oral administration,PNS inevitably interacts with gut microbiota,and thus affect the pharmacokinetic profiles and pharmacological effects.To date,studies concering gut microbiota-mediated metabolism of PNS have not been reviewed systematically.Herein,we outline the metabolic profiles of Panax notoginseng saponins mediated by gut microbiota,as well as its role in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics on the basis of reported data.The metabolic pathways of primary saponins are proposed,and step-by-step deglycosylation is found to be the primary degradation pathways of PNS mediated by gut microbiota.Specific microorganisms and enzymes involved in the metabolic processes were summarized.Gut microbiota is deeply involved in the metabolism of PNS,affects the pharmacokinetic profiles,and produces a series of active metabolites.These metabolites were documented to play an essential role in the efficacy of the parent compounds.Future studies should focus on strengthening the real-world evidence,defining the interaction between gut microbiota and PNS,and developing the strategy for modulating gut microbiota to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of PNS.These information would be useful for further research and clinical application of PNS.

Oleanane-triterpene Saponins from Clinopodium urticifolium

Four new oleanane triterpene saponins were isolated and purified from the whole plant of Clinopodium urticifolium. They were 3B 16B, 23, 28-tetrahydroxyoleana-9 (11), 12(13)-diene-3-yl-[B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)]-[B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-3)]- B-D-fucopyranoside 1; 3B, 16B, 21B, 23, 28-pentahydroxyoleana-9(11), 12(13)-diene-3-yl-[B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)]-[B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-3)]- B-D-fucopyranoside 2; 3B, 16B, 23, 28-tetrahydroxyoleana-9(11), 12(13)-diene-3-yl-[B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-3)]-[B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)]-B-D-fucopyranoside 3; 3B, 16B, 23, 28-tetrahydroxyoleana-9(11), 12(13)-diene-3-yl-[B-D-gluco-pyranosyl-(1-4)-B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-3)]-[B-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)]- B-D-fucopyranoside 4. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of interpretation of NMR and MS data and from chemical evidence.

A new triterpene saponin from Panax japonicus C.A.Meyer var major(Burk.) C.Y.Wu et K.M.Feng

One new Iriterpene saponin was isolated from Panaxjaponicus C. A. Meyer var major （Burk.） C. Y. Wu et K. M. Feng, and established as oleanolic acid 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-（1 →2）-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-6＇-O-n-butyl ester] which showed mod- erate antitumor activities against the A2780 cells and OVCAR-3 cells. Its structure was established by means of spectral data, particularly NMR, including HSQC and HMBC techniques.

A new dammarane-type triterpene saponin from Gynostemma pentaphyllum

One new dammarane-type triterpene saponin,named(20S)-3β,20,21-trihydroxydammar-24-ene 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl- (1→2)][β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranoside(1),was isolated from the aerial parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino.Its structural elucidation was accomplished mainly on the basis of the interrelation of spectroscopic methods, such as IR,HR-TOF-MS,NMR.

Antiglycation,antioxidant,antiacne,and photoprotective activities of crude extracts and triterpene saponin fraction of Sapindus saponaria L.fruits:An in vitro study

Objective:To evaluate the photoprotective,antioxidant,antiglycation,and antiacne activities of crude extract(CESs)and triterpene saponin fraction(TSSs)of Sapindus saponaria.Methods:HPLC-MS purification was performed on a Symmetry TM C18 column.The saponins were identified by a UV detector.Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and O_(2)^(−)radicals scavenging,and FRAP and TBARS assays.Glycation activity was assessed by relative electrophoretic mobility and inhibition of advanced glycation end products(AGEs)formation.Additionally,antiacne activity was determined by inhibition of Cutibacterium acnes,and photoprotective effect was evaluated by Mansur’s method.Results:Most of the triterpene saponins detected in the fraction by HPLC-MS analysis were hederagenin as the aglycon.CESs and TSSs presented varying antioxidant activity in DPPH(CESs:75.69%and TSSs:83.65%),FRAP(CESs:425.39μM TE/g DW and TSSs:649.36μM TE/g DW),TBARS(CESs:42.96%and TSSs:52.16%)and O_(2)^(−)radicals scavenging(CESs:61.33%and TSSs:86.69%)tests.CESs and TSSs also exhibited antiglycation activity comparable to bovine serum albumin treated with aminoguanidine.In addition,CESs and TSSs showed inhibition of AGE formation(34.48%and 61.85%,respectively).Antiacne activity against Cutibacterium acnes was observed with a minimum inhibitory concentration equal to minimum bactericidal concentration(CESs:36.11µg/mL and TSSs:18.34µg/mL).In photoprotective assays,CESs and TSSs showed maximum absorbance of 1.42 to 0.20 and 2.80 to 1.30,respectively,in the wavelength range of 260 to 400 nm.Furthermore,CESs and TSSs showed sun protection factors of 8.89 and 14.89,respectively.Conclusions:Sapindus saponaria fruit extracts show strong antioxidant potential and antiglycation activity against bovine serum albumin glycation and AGE formation.Besides,they presented antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes and photoprotective effect against UV-A and UV-B.

Inhibition of DNA-Topoisomerase I by Acylated Triterpene Saponins from Pittosporum angustifolium Lodd.

Previous phytochemical investigation of the leaves and seeds of Pittosporum angustifolium Lodd.led to the isolation and structural elucidation of polyphenols and triterpene saponins.Evaluation for cytotoxicity of isolated saponins revealed that the predominant structural feature for a cytotoxic activity are acyl substituents at the oleanane aglycon backbone.The present work reports the results of a screening of 10 selected acylated saponins for their potential to inhibit the human DNA-topoisomerase I,giving rise to IC50 values in a range of 2.8-46.5 lM.To clarify the mode of observed cytotoxic action and,moreover,to distinguish from a pure surfactant effect which is commonly accompanied with saponins,these results indicate an involvement of the topoisomerase I and its role as a possible target structure for a cytotoxic activity.In addition,computational predictions of the fitting of saponins to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex,indicate a similar binding mode to that of clinically used topoisomerase I inhibitors.Graphical Abstract Ten acylated triterpene saponins from Pittosporum angustifolium were investigated for their potential to inhibit the human DNA-topoisomerase I and computational predictions of the fitting of saponins to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex were carried out.

Antitumor triterpene saponins from Anemone flaccida

A new triterpenoid saponin, 3-O-[（6′-butyryl）-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-28-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-（1→4）-β-D-glucopyranosyl-（1→6）-β-D-glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid, as well as three known triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemone flaccida. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. These compounds showed significant antitumor activities.

A NEW TRITERPENE SAPONIN FROM THE STEMS AND LEAVES OF PANAX GINSENG

a new triterpene compound was isolated from the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and established as 3β, 6α, 12β-trihydroxy-dammar-20(21), 24-diene-6-0-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical evidence.

PnMYB4 negatively modulates saponin biosynthesis in Panax notoginseng through interplay with PnMYB1

Saponins are the main triterpenoid ingredients from Panax notoginseng,a well-known Chinese medicine,and are important sources for producing drugs to prevent and treat cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.However,the transcriptional regulatory network of saponin biosynthesis in P.notoginseng is largely unknown.In the present study we demonstrated that one R2R3-MYB transcription factor,designated PnMYB4,acts as a repressor of saponin accumulation.Suppression of PnMYB4 in P.notoginseng calli significantly increased the saponin content and the expression level of saponin biosynthetic genes.PnMYB4 directly bound to the promoters of key saponin biosynthetic genes,including PnSS,PnSE,and PnDS,to repress saponin accumulation.PnMYB4 and the activator PnMYB1 could inter-acted with PnbHLH,which is a positive regulator of saponin biosynthesis,to modulate the biosynthesis of saponin.PnMYB4 competed with PnMYB1 for binding to PnbHLH,repressing activation of the promoters of saponin structural genes induced by the PnMYB1-PnbHLH complex.Our study reveals that a complex regulatory module of saponin biosynthesis is associated with positive and negative MYB transcriptional regulators and provides a theoretical basis for improving the content of saponins and efficacy of P.notoginseng.

Antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of saponin extracts from walnut(Juglans regia L.) leaves

Objective:To investigate the relationship between triterpenoid saponin content and antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of 70%ethanolic,butanolic,aqueous,supernate and precipitate extracts of Juglans regia leaves.Methods:Triterpenoid saponins of different Juglans regia leaf extracts were measured by the vanillin method.Antioxidant activity was evaluated against DPPH and ABTS free radicals.We also assessed α-glucosidase inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of the leaf extracts.Pearson’s correlation coefficient was evaluated to determine the correlation between the saponin content and biological activities.Results:The butanolic extract was most effective against DPPH with an IC50of 6.63μg/mL,while the aqueous extract showed the highest scavenging activity against ABTS free radical with an IC50of 42.27μg/mL.Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a strong negative correlation (r=-0.956) between DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50) and the saponin content in the samples examined.In addition,the aqueous extract showed the best α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared with other extracts.All the extracts had fair antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis,Escherichia coli,and Klebsiella pneumoniae except for the aqueous extract.Conclusions:Juglans regia extracts show potent antioxidant,antimicrobial,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.There is a correlation between saponin levels in Juglans regia leaf extracts and the studied activities.However,additional research is required to establish these relationships by identifying the specific saponin molecules responsible for these activities and elucidating their mechanisms of action.

Rhizoma paridis saponins protected against liver injury in diethylnitrosamine-induced mice

Background:Diethylnitrosamine,one of food additives,possessed a strong carcinogenic effect in human.Rhizoma paridis saponins,as the main active components of Paris polyphylla,have a good anti-cancer effect in our previous research.To verify their inhibitory effect on diethylnitrosamine-induced liver cancer,we carried out this study.Methods:We established diethylnitrosamine-induced mouse hepatocarcinoma models to evaluate antitumor of Rhizoma paridis saponins.Subsequently,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to analyze the metabolites in the urine and serum samples.Results:Rhizoma paridis saponins alleviated diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.On the one hand,Rhizoma paridis saponins down-regulated the levels of liver function markers,such as alanine aminotransferase,aspartate transaminase and alpha fetoprotein.On the other hand,Rhizoma paridis saponins reduced metabolic disorders by increasing fructose and mannose metabolism,and decreasing pentose and glucuronate interconversion,inositol phosphate metabolism,and the process of saturated fatty acids transforming to unsaturated fatty acids,which based on the regulating mRNA expression of glucose transporter type 4,lactate dehydrogenase A,fatty acid synthetas,acetyl-CoA carboxylase and apolipoprotein A-I.Conclusion:Rhizoma paridis saponins has the potential application to inhibit chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in the future.

Effects of Tribulus terrestris saponins on proliferation and invasion of A549 cells

Objective:Tribulus terrestris saponin is a traditional Chinese medicine in China.This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of tribulus terrestris saponin on the proliferation and invasion ability of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells.Methods:A549 cells were divided into normal control and experimental groups(Tribulus terrestris saponin 250μg/mL group,Tribulus terrestris saponin 200μg/mL group,Tribulus terrestris saponin 150μg/mL group,Tribulus terrestris saponin 100μg/mL group,Tribulus terrestris saponin 50μg/mL group).The proliferation viability of the cells in each group was detected by CCK8,the invasion of tumor cells was detected by Transwell model.The mRNA expression of MMP9 and caspase-3 in each group of cells was detected by RT-PCR.Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the fluorescence intensity of caspase-3 in each group of cells.Results:Compared with the normal control group,tribulus terrestris saponin significantly inhibited the proliferation activity and invasion ability of A549 cells,which was statistically significant(P<0.01).In the invasion assay,compared with the control group,MMP9 expression was significantly reduced and caspase-3 expression was significantly increased in the tribulus terrestris saponin group,and both were concentration-dependent,with statistically significant differences(P<0.01).By cellular immunofluorescence staining experiments,it was found that the fluorescence expression of caspase-3 was enhanced in the experimental group compared with the normal control group,in which the high concentration saponin group was significantly higher than the low concentration group.Conclusion:Tribulus terrestris saponin can inhibit the invasive ability of A549 cells by down-regulating the expression of MMP9,and induce irreversible apoptosis by up-regulating the activation of caspase-3 expression to form caspase-3.

玉竹的化学成分、药理作用及其食品开发研究进展

玉竹不仅富含糖、蛋白质、氨基酸、维生素和矿物质等营养成分,还含较高的多糖、甾体皂苷、黄酮等生物活性成分,具有抗氧化、调节糖脂代谢、增强免疫、抗肿瘤、抗微生物、抗疲劳、抗衰老、护肝、调节胃肠道菌群、减肥等药理作用,已广泛用于普通食品和健康食品的开发利用。本文对其营养功能成分、生物活性及其在食品加工领域中的应用进展进行系统总结,以为其深入开发提供参考和支持。

茶皂素和博落回生物碱复配对4种病原菌的联合毒力

为了明确博落回生物碱与茶皂素混配对棉花立枯病菌、棉花枯萎病菌、苹果轮纹病菌和柑橘炭疽病菌的联合毒力,采用生长速率法测定了博落回生物碱、茶皂素及其不同配比混剂对4种病菌的毒力,通过交互测定法测定了茶皂素和博落回生物碱的毒性比例和增效系数。结果表明:博落回生物碱与茶皂素复配对棉花枯萎病的联合毒力主要为拮抗或相加作用,博落回生物碱与茶皂素复配对苹果轮纹病的联合毒力主要为相加作用,博落回生物碱与茶皂素质量比为1∶48.7的混剂对棉花立枯病表现为增效作用,增效系数为1.536;博落回生物碱与茶皂素质量比为1∶20.2的混剂对柑橘炭疽病菌表现出较好的增效作用,增效系数为1.537。

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on the Physiology and Saponin Synthesis of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis at Different Nitrogen Levels

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)are important members of the plant microbiome and affect the uptake and transfer of mineral elements by forming a symbiotic relationship with plant roots.Nitrogen(N),as an important min­eral element,can directly affect plant growth and development at different N levels.It has been confirmed that inoc­ulation with AMF can improve the efficiency of N utilization by plants.However,there are still fewer reports on the dynamic relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal and plant secondary metabolites at different nitrogen levels.In this experiment,the physiological indexes and genes related to saponin synthesis were determined by applying differ­ent concentration gradients of nitrogen to the medicinal plant P.polyphylla var.yunnanensis infested by AMF as the test material.It was found that nitrogen addition increased the biomass,chlorophyll content,and nutrient content of above-and below-ground plant parts and increased the content of saponin content of P.polyphylla var.yunnanensis to some extent,but AMF inoculation increased the saponin content of P.polyphylla var.yunnanensis more significantly.AMF inoculation also promoted the expression of genes related to the saponin synthesis pathway,including 3-hy­droxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase(HMGS),squalene epoxidase 1(SE1),and cycloartenol synthase(CAS),which is in according with the accumulation of saponin in plants.It also may increase the saponin content of AMF plants by altering the expression of P450s and UGTs related to saponin synthesis.

油茶籽粕发酵菌株的筛选鉴定及发酵产物特性分析

油茶行业的迅速发展导致油茶籽粕废弃物的大量产生,其落后的处理方式造成了严重的资源浪费,制约了我国油茶行业的可持续发展。油茶籽粕中富含有机质,利用微生物发酵法降解其中的纤维素、木质素及茶皂素等生物大分子来制备有机肥是实现油茶籽粕合理资源化利用的有效途径。通过筛选获得3株针对油茶籽粕中纤维素和木质素的高效降解菌,包括1株真菌X1-1,属于Pleurostomarichardsiae,以及2株细菌M4-2和M5-2,分别为蒙氏假单胞菌(Pseudomonas monteilii)和类芽孢杆菌(Paenibacillus sp)属,可有效降低发酵产物中茶皂素的含量,实现油茶籽粕的无害化处理。实验结果显示,经菌株X1-1、M4-2和M5-2发酵处理28 d后,油茶籽粕中纤维素含量的降解率分别为29.74%、19.65%和13.19%,木质素含量的降解率分别为12.84%、17.85%和26.39%,茶皂素含量的降解率分别为34.06%、45.05%和46.15%;且发酵后的油茶籽粕腐熟度、有机质含量和养分含量等指标均符合有机肥标准。研究结果拓展了油茶籽粕的资源化利用途径,同时为木质素和纤维素的高效降解提供了良好的菌种资源。

柱前衍生-气相色谱-质谱联用法同时测定茯苓中的可溶性糖与三萜酸

[目的]通过建立柱前衍生-气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)法实现茯苓(Poria cocos)各成分的快速高效分离检测,为茯苓有效成分的分析提供新方法并为茯苓原料品质判断提供参考.[方法]采用超声辅助提取法,以反油酸为内标物,甲氧胺(MOX)和N-甲基-N-(三甲基硅烷)三氟乙酰胺[含1%(质量分数)三甲基氯硅烷](MSTFA+1%TMCS)为肟化-硅烷化衍生试剂,采用GC-MS同时检测茯苓中的果糖、葡萄糖、海藻糖、阿拉伯糖醇、甘露糖醇、山梨糖醇、麦芽糖醇、茯苓酸、茯苓新酸A和茯苓新酸B.[结果]优化后的衍生条件为:200μL茯苓的甲醇提取液氮气吹干后,加入50μL MOX,于40℃反应2 h,然后加入250μL(MSTFA+1%TMCS),于40℃下反应30 min.衍生后的目标化合物在40 min内完成分离分析,线性关系良好,相关系数均在0.9935以上,该方法的定量限为0.008~1.000μg/mL,检测限为0.003~0.300μg/mL.茯苓样品加标回收率为82.0%~122.4%,相对标准偏差为1.05%~4.43%.[结论]本方法样品用量少,结果稳定且灵敏度高,可用于检测茯苓样品中可溶性糖和微量的三萜酸类化合物,同时也为检测其他样品中的三萜酸类化合物提供更多的选择.

枇杷叶三萜酸联合重组人表皮生长因子对激素依赖性皮炎豚鼠皮肤屏障功能的修复及免疫失衡的影响

目的 观察枇杷叶三萜酸(TAL)联合重组人表皮生长因子(rh-EGF)对激素依赖性皮炎(HDD)豚鼠模型皮肤屏障功能修复及免疫失衡的影响。方法 选取40只无特定病原(SPF)级豚鼠,随机分为对照组、模型组、rh-EGF组、TAL组和联合组,每组各8只。除对照组外,其他各组涂抹0.05%卤米松乳膏,连续45 d,构建HDD模型。构建成功后,rh-EGF组涂抹rh-EGF凝胶,TAL组涂抹TAL溶液,联合组涂抹TAL和rh-EGF凝胶,对照组和模型组涂抹生理盐水,共15 d。记录各组临床症状并打分;检测经皮水分丢失(TEWL)、角质层含水量(WCSC)和皮脂量(SC);HE染色观察各组豚鼠皮肤组织病理变化;采用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测总免疫球蛋白E(IgE)、白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)水平。结果 与对照组比较,模型组症状明显、皮肤组织损坏严重,TEWL增加,WCSC和SC减少;免疫因子Ig E和IL-4水平升高、IFN-γ水平降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,rh-EGF组、TAL组和联合组用药后临床症状减轻、皮肤组织损伤不明显;TEWL减少,WCSC和SC增加,免疫因子IgE和IL-4水平降低、IFN-γ水平升高(P<0.05)。且联合组与rh-EGF组和TAL组比较,作用效果更加明显(P<0.05)。TAL组和联合组各指标比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 TAL联合rh-EGF可有效缓解HDD豚鼠的临床症状,改善皮肤细胞损伤,修复皮肤屏障功能,提升免疫能力。

无患子皂苷对自发性高血压大鼠血管内皮功能和NLRP3炎性小体的影响

目的探讨无患子皂苷对自发性高血压大鼠血管内皮功能和核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)炎性小体的影响。方法将6只WKY大鼠设为对照组,18只自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)分为模型组、无患子皂苷组和替米沙坦组,每组6只。对照组和模型组大鼠灌胃生理盐水,无患子皂苷组和替米沙坦组分别灌胃无患子皂苷(162 mg/kg)和替米沙坦(10 mg/kg),连续灌胃35 d。给药结束后测量各组大鼠尾动脉收缩压(SBP)和舒张压(DBP),免疫组化法检测胸主动脉内膜中血管性假血友病因子(vWF)表达,HE染色观察大鼠胸主动脉组织病理变化,ELISA法检测血清中半胱天冬氨酸蛋白酶1(caspase-1)和白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)水平,RT-qPCR和Western blot法检测主动脉组织中p38、NLRP3、caspase-1 mRNA和蛋白表达。结果与对照组比较,模型组大鼠尾动脉SBP和DBP、血清中caspase-1和IL-1β水平、胸主动脉中p38、NLRP3、caspase-1 mRNA和蛋白表达均升高(P<0.01),胸主动脉内膜中vWF阳性表达增多(P<0.01),主动脉内膜和外膜脱落严重,中膜增厚;与模型组比较,无患子皂苷组和替米沙坦组大鼠尾动脉SBP和DBP、血清中caspase-1和IL-1β水平、胸主动脉中p38、NLRP3、caspase-1 mRNA和蛋白表达均降低(P<0.05),胸主动脉内膜中vWF阳性表达减少(P<0.05),主动脉内外膜损伤减轻,中膜厚度也有所降低。结论无患子皂苷能够有效降低自发性高血压大鼠的血压,改善血管内皮功能障碍,抑制炎症反应,其机制可能与抑制NLRP3炎症通路的激活有关。

液体发酵茯苓菌5.78培养条件及培养基优化

中国传统原药茯苓(Wolfiporia cocos)具有重要的药用价值,其主要活性成分为三萜类和多聚糖类。为了通过发酵菌丝实现工业化生产茯苓三萜类化合物,本研究采用单因素实验设计不同培养条件和培养基主要成分进行发酵培养,比较分析菌丝干重和总三萜含量,筛选液体发酵生产茯苓三萜的适宜培养条件和培养基。结果表明,碳源葡萄糖、氮源胰蛋白胨、无机盐CaCl_(2)、生物因子土壤浸出物,初始pH 5.5,接种量6%、装液量40 mL和培养11 d可以有效提高茯苓总三萜获得量。初步优化液体发酵培养条件和培养基组分可以为进一步优化茯苓发酵培养生产三萜类化合物提供实验基础。