Saponin constituents of Achyranthes root

Achyranthes root is a crude drug used as diuretic, tonic and remedy for blood stasis. Characteristic oleanolic acid saponins with a dicarboxylic acid moiety have been isolated as one of the representative constituents of this crude drug. This review focuses on the triterpene saponin constituents, especially those with a characteristic dicarboxylic acid moiety, of A. bidentata and A. fauriei. Several groups isolated the saponins and different names were given to one compound in some cases. The names of the compounds are sorted out and the stereochemistry of the dicarboxylic acid moieties are summarized. HPLC analysis of the composition of the saponin constituents and the effect of processing and extraction conditions on the composition are reviewed. Biological activities of the saponin constituents are also summarized.

Osteogenic Effects of Triterpene Saponin Soyasapogenol B on Differentiation, Mineralization, Autophagy, and Necroptosis

Background: Triterpenoid saponins are a diverse group of natural compounds in plants. A triterpene saponin, Soyasapogenol B (SoyB), from Arachis hypogaea (peanut) has various pharmacological properties. This study aimed to elucidate pharmacological properties and mechanisms of SoyB on bone-forming cells. Methods: Cell viability adhesion, and migration were analyzed using MTT assay, cell adhesion assay, and Boyden chamber assay. Osteogenic activity and osteogenicity were analyzed using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity, and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. Cell signaling, protein expression, and autophagy were analyzed using Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence assay, and DAPGreen autophagy detection assay. Results and Conclusion: In the present study, SoyB (> 99.99% purity), triterpene saponin, was isolated from the fruit of A. hypogaea. At concentrations ranging from 1 to 20 mM, SoyB showed no cell proliferation effects, whereas 30 - 100 mM SoyB increased cell proliferation in MC3T3-E1 cells. Next, osteoblast differentiation was analyzed and found that SoyB enhanced ALP staining and activity and bone mineralization as evidence for early and late osteoblast differentiation. SoyB also induced RUNX2 expression in nucleus with the increased phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 and JNK2 during osteoblast differentiation. In addition, SoyB-mediated osteoblast differentiation was not associated with autophagy and necroptosis. Furthermore, SoyB increased cell migration and adhesion with the upregulation of MMP13 levels during osteoblast differentiation. The findings of this study provide new evidence that SoyB possesses biological effects on osteogenic activity and osteogenicity in bone-forming cells, and suggest a potentially beneficial role for peanuts foods and drugs containing SoyB in the treatment and prevention of bone diseases.