Evaluation of nematicidal properties of saponins from Medicago spp.

Abstract

The nematicidal activity of saponins from Medicago arborea (tops), M. arabica (tops and roots) and M. sativa (tops and roots) against the plantparasitic nematode Xiphinema index was investigated. Nematicidal activity of related prosapogenins and sapogenins on X. index is also described. Saponins from Medicago spp. at different concentrations were all nematicidal, those from M. arborea tops being the less effective. In general, saponins induced 100% mortality at 500 μg ml −1 between 8 and 48 h, while prosapogenins resulted in toxicity starting at 125 μg ml −1 . Differences in the effects on X. index induced by prosapogenins and sapogenins were less pronounced, although prosapogenins displayed a larger range of activity. Assays with purified sapogenins demonstrated the relationship of the observed nematicidal activity of M. sativa and M. arborea to the content of the main aglycones (medicagenic acid and hederagenin, respectively) in the saponin extracts. Hederagenin displayed the highest bioactivity, giving 38% mortality after 1 h at 125 μg ml −1 .

Phytochemical and pharmacological potential ofMedicago sativa: A review

“…Medicagenic acid isolated from M. sativa exhibited significant nematicidal activity against the plant-parasitic nematode Xiphinema index (Argentieri et al, 2008).…”

<i>In Vitro</i> Ovicidal and Larvicidal Activities of Stem Bark of <i>Terminalia glaucescens</i> (Combretaceae) against <i>Haemonchus contortus</i>

“…Saponins have also been reported to have nematicidal activities and are said to interact with the cell membrane causing changes in cell wall permeability [23]. They also interact with collagen proteins from the cuticle of nematodes and this interaction may be responsible for the nematotoxic effects [24]. Tannins contained in this plant are probably condensed tannins which may explain the observed anthelmintic effects on the eggs and larvae of this parasite.…”

Comparative Determination of Phytochemical, Proximate and Mineral Compositions in Various Parts of Portulaca oleracea L.

“…Flavonoid has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, antimicrobial, anti-diarrhoea and anticancer activities [16]. Saponin has been revealed to possess antinematicidal, molluscicidal, insecticidal and antioxidant [17,18]; anti-cancer [19] [20]; aphrodisiac [21,22]; anti-protozoal [23]; antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties [24,25,26].Tannin has been reported to be potentially used as an antiviral, antibacterial and anti-parasitic [15,27] and anti-diarrhoeal agent [28,29]. Antibacterial and antineoplastic functions of terpenoids have been reported [30].…”