Free radicals mediated membrane damage by the saponins acaciaside A and acaciaside B

Abstract

Acaciaside A and B, two acylated triterpenoid bisglycoside saponins originally isolated from the funicles of Acacia auriculiformis, are known to have antihelmintic activity. In our previous investigation it was suggested that the conjugated unsaturated system of the saponins is involved in producing the damaging effect of saponins, probably by resulting free radicals that induce membrane damage through peroxidation. Here the interaction of saponins and the microsomal membrane was investigated in the presence and absence of superoxide dismutase, catalase and thiourea. Our results showed that superoxide dismutase significantly blocked the effect of saponins-induced membrane damage. Catalase had only a minor effect on saponins-induced membrane damage and thiourea had no effect. The results suggest that in our model, saponins can generate superoxide anions and initiate lipid peroxidation.

Evaluation of antibacterial activities of euphorbia heterophylla

“…which was susceptible to the purification product of the same plant [14] . The observed antibacterial actions of this extract could be attributed to the presence of saponins, tannins, and alkaloids which have proven antimicrobial properties [15], [16] . It is interesting to note that S.aureus is Gram-positive while the rest are Gram-negative.…”

Evaluation of Anthelmintic Efficacy of Nicotiana tabacum against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Goats

“…Conjugated unsaturated system of selected saponins is involved in the formation of free radicals, which induces membrane damage through peroxidation of membranes in helmiths (Nandi et al, 2004). Saponins enhance the cell membrane lipid peroxidation (Babu et al, 1997).…”

Improved efficacy of tetracycline by acaciasides on Dirofilaria immitis

“…In our previous investigations, it was suggested that the conjugated unsaturated system of the saponins is involved in producing the damaging effect of saponins, probably by resulting free radicals that induce membrane damage through peroxidation (Sinha Babu et al 1997). Our findings on the mechanism of action of saponins further revealed that the superoxide anion is probably involved in the expression of membrane-damaging effect of the saponins (Nandi et al 2004). The present data indicate that prior tetracycline treatment enhances microfilaricidal activity of saponins.…”

“…These two saponins are known to interact with the membrane, thus, inflicting membrane damage (Sinha Babu et al 1997). Our findings on the mechanism of action of saponins further revealed that superoxide anion is probably involved in the expression of membrane damaging effect of saponins (Nandi et al 2004). Since tetracycline acts on the clearance of Wolbachia, it is of great interest to know whether saponin-induced membrane damage could increase the efficacy of tetracycline on Wolbachia.…”