Identification and Quantification of Bioactive Compounds in Agave potatorum Zucc. Leaves at Different Stages of Development and a Preliminary Biological Assay

BACKGROUND Agaves are mainly used to produce alcoholic beverages such as tequila, mezcal and bacanora. However, the leaves constitute more than 50% of the plant and are not used in the production process, so they are considered waste. This plant material can be used as a source of bioactive compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids and saponins. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the aglycone type of saponins and to quantify three steroidal sapogenins in leaves of five Agave species collected in different regions of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico. RESULTS Analysis by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection of the hydrolyzed methanolic extracts showed that diosgenin and tigogenin were the most abundant sapogenins identified in the five Agave species. Differences in the content of these sapogenins were found in the same species collected in different localities. The leaves of Agave americana var. oaxacensis L. (Oaxaca) had the highest diosgenin‐derived saponin content, while the leaves of A. angustifolia Haw. (Guerrero) had the highest tigogenin‐derived saponin content. Only in A. cupreata was sarsasapogenin identified, all three sapogenins occurring in the leaves of this species. For the first time, information is provided on the aglycones of the saponins produced in A. potatorum Zucc. and A. karwinskii Zucc. CONCLUSION This study made it possible to compare the content of diosgenin and tigogenin‐derived saponins in leaves of Agave species from Guerrero and Oaxaca. This information will be useful for better utilization of this plant material and add value to the process of mezcal elaboration. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

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“…3). Previously, Soto‐Castro et al 30 . reported the content of flavonoids and total phenols in leaves of A. potatorum Zucc.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative study of steroidal sapogenins content in leaves of five Agave species

et al. 2022

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“…In general, the variation in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and other secondary metabolites has been described in relation to the type of Agave species, plant age, geographical origin, and solvent [35][36][37][38][39][40]. Ben Hamissa et al [41] showed that high temperatures and pressures also improved the yield of phenols and flavonoids.…”

Section: Extraction Methods Used To Recover Polyphenolic Compounds From Agave Agro-wastementioning

confidence: 99%

Hunting Bioactive Molecules from the Agave Genus: An Update on Extraction and Biological Potential

et al. 2021

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Agaves are plants used in the production of alcoholic beverages and fibers. Ever since ancient times, pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico have used them in traditional medicine to cure different ailments. Over the years, studies of the active principles responsible for the therapeutic benefits of agaves have increased. Leaves and fibers are the main agro-wastes generated in tequila and mezcal production, while fibers are the main waste product in the textile sector. Different investigations have referred to the agro-waste from agave processing as a source of bioactive molecules called secondary metabolites (SM). Among them, phenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, and saponins have been extracted, identified, and isolated from these plants. The role of these molecules in pest control and the prospect of metabolites with the biological potential to develop novel drugs for chronic and acute diseases represent new opportunities to add value to these agro-wastes. This review aims to update the biological activities and recent applications of the secondary metabolites of the genus Agave.

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“…However, this practice could alter the overall product characteristics. Previous studies [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ] have shown that the composition of the agave plants is affected by its age at harvest; therefore, it is suspected that its use could affect quality parameters in tequila, as previously reported with other beverages where the physicochemical and organoleptic properties are straightforwardly related to the raw material used for the must [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Currently, the research on the agave age effect on tequila production only has been focused in a single stage of the process, namely in the fermentation stage [ 15 ]; however, it is known that each production stage has a different influence on the generation of volatile compounds in tequila, such as higher alcohols, esters, Maillard compounds, and furfural, which impact the final product quality [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Effect of Age of Agave tequilana Weber Blue Variety on Quality and Authenticity Parameters for the Tequila 100% Agave Silver Class: Evaluation at the Industrial Scale Level

Acosta-Salazar

Fonseca-Aguiñaga

Warren-Vega

et al. 2021

Foods

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Due to the oversupply and scarcity cycles of the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety, the effect of agave age (harvested in 4, 5, and 6 years) as raw material for the tequila 100% agave silver class was studied for each stage in a full-scale (industrial) process. Harvested plants showed differences in their morphological characteristics that affected the amount of juice; this had an impact in the fermentation stage since must composition was modified in the nitrogen content and juice/exudate ratio. This was noticed due to an increase in the production of higher alcohols attributed to the odd-chain fatty of the exudate, which affects n-propanol production. The characterization of the final product showed the feasibility to use agaves (less than 7 years) to produce the Tequila 100% agave silver class and to comply with the quality criteria. Furthermore, the final product was analyzed with the gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass-spectrometry technique to determine its authenticity. The δ13CVPDB isotopic parameter (−13.40‰ in average) values show the type of plant used as a raw material for ethanol production, while the δ18OVSMOW (20.52‰ in average) isotopic parameter can be helpful in corroborating and ensuring the traceability of the product and the geographical location of the beverage production.

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Identification and Quantification of Bioactive Compounds in Agave potatorum Zucc. Leaves at Different Stages of Development and a Preliminary Biological Assay

Cited by 17 publications

References 28 publications

Comparative study of steroidal sapogenins content in leaves of five Agave species

Comparative study of steroidal sapogenins content in leaves of five Agave species

Hunting Bioactive Molecules from the Agave Genus: An Update on Extraction and Biological Potential

Effect of Age of Agave tequilana Weber Blue Variety on Quality and Authenticity Parameters for the Tequila 100% Agave Silver Class: Evaluation at the Industrial Scale Level

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