Antifungal activity of the saponin fraction obtained from Asparagus officinalis L. and its active principle.

Abstract

Antifungal activity was detected in the crude saponin fraction obtained from the bottom cut of Asparagus officinalis L. This activity was specific to certain fungi, for example Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Attempts were made to isolate the active principles from this fraction; in this way a new saponin (AS-1) was isolated, and its structure was estimated to be 3-0-[{/?-D-glucopyranosyl(l-åº2)}{)5-D-xylopyranosyl(l-åº 4)-/?-D-glucopyranosyl]-(255'),5/?spirostan-3/J-ol. The minimuminhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 0.5 /ig/ml to more than 8/fg/ml depending upon the nature of the fungi. On the basis of the work carried out here, it is probable that asparagus will contain additional antifungal principles.

Methyl Jasmonate Treatment Enhanced Protodioscin Biosynthesis in White Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Spears

“…Previous studies have shown that saponin compounds act as defensive substances against soil-borne stresses and/or diseases (Bouarab et al, 2002;Hughes et al, 2004;Osbourn, 1996;Shimoyamada et al, 1990Shimoyamada et al, , 1996Wu et al, 2005); therefore, biosynthesis of certain saponin compounds is likely to be regulated by soilborne stresses and/or diseases. Meanwhile, jasmonate (JM) and its methyl ester (methyl jasmonate [MeJM]) are regarded as plant hormones and are also known to trigger defensive reactions against some stresses and diseases (Creelman and Mullet, 1997;Wasternack and Parthier, 1997).…”

Correlation between sugar and saponin contents and sensory attributes of white asparagus

“…The structure of six individual saponins occurring in asparagus spears has been identified (Fenwick and Oakenfull 1983;Kawano et al 1977;Shao et al 1996;Shimoyamada et al 1990Shimoyamada et al , 1996Wang et al 2003).…”

Effects of Blanching Method on Sugar and Protodioscin Contents of White Asparagus Spears

“…Wu et al (2005) reported that osmotic stress treatment activated saponin biosynthesis in cultured cells of Panax ginseng. Shimoyamada et al (1990Shimoyamada et al ( , 1996 reported that saponin compounds AS-1 and AS-2-I, found in asparagus, showed antifungal activity on some species of fungi. Therefore, saponin biosynthesis regulation in white asparagus spears may be associated with an antistress and/or defensive action against pathogen or insect attack.…”