Evaluation of biological activities of triterpenoid saponins from Maesa lanceolata

J Nat Prod. 1998 May;61(5):585-90. doi: 10.1021/np9705165.

Abstract

From a bioassay-guided fractionation procedure using Herpes simplex virus type 1 as the target model, a virucidal saponin mixture (maesasaponin mixture B) was isolated from the MeOH extract of leaves of Maesa lanceolata. The maesasaponin mixture B consisted of six homologous oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins 1-6, identified by 1H, 13C, and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The maesasaponin mixture B (1-6) showed several biological activities expected for saponins. It exhibited a moderate virucidal activity against enveloped viruses. The maesasaponin mixture B (1-6) was tested for further properties. The saponin mixture was found to be highly hemolytic and molluscicidal: it hemolyzed 50% of human erythrocytes (1% suspension) at a concentration estimated at 1.6 microg/mL and exerted against Biomphalaria glabrata snails a severe toxic effect with LD95 and LD50 values of 4.1 and 2.3 ppm, respectively. In addition, the maesasaponin mixture B (1-6) showed moderate fungistatic and antimutagenic properties. The evaluation of these diverse activities is described.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / isolation & purification
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / isolation & purification
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Carbohydrate Conformation
  • Carbohydrate Sequence
  • Hemolysis / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mollusca / drug effects*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Saponins / chemistry
  • Saponins / isolation & purification
  • Saponins / pharmacology*
  • Trees / chemistry*
  • Triterpenes / chemistry
  • Triterpenes / isolation & purification
  • Triterpenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Saponins
  • Triterpenes