Phytochemical &
Pharmacological Screening of Saponins from Allium sativum Linn for
Antihyperlipidemic Activity
Shailendra Singh, Dr. Ashish Mishra, and Dr. Shilpi Mishra
Department of Pharmacy, Advance Institute of Biotech
& Paramedical Sciences Kanpur
(Uttar Pradesh), India
Correspondence: anuraagsingh195@gmail.com
DOI:
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Article Information
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Abstract
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Research Article
Received: 30/11/2024
Accepted: 05/01/2025
Published: 01/02/2025
Keywords
Allium sativum, Phytochemical screening, Antihyperlipidemic
activity
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This study investigates
the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of saponins isolated from Allium
sativum (garlic) and their effects on lipid profiles. Through a series of
chemical tests, acute toxicity studies, and pharmacological evaluations, the
study aims to assess the potential antihyperlipidemic effects of these
saponins. The results demonstrate the significant lipid-lowering effects of
saponins, suggesting their potential therapeutic use in the management of
hyperlipidemia.
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INTRODUCTION
Allium
sativum (garlic) has
been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly in the
management of cardiovascular diseases. Among the bioactive compounds in garlic,
saponins are believed to contribute significantly to its pharmacological
effects. Saponins exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including
antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study
focuses on the phytochemical screening, acute toxicity, and pharmacological
evaluation of saponins isolated from garlic to investigate their potential
antihyperlipidemic effects.
Materials
and Methods
Plant
Material
Fresh bulbs of Allium
sativum were procured from a local market and identified. The plant
material was cleaned, dried, and powdered for extraction.
Extraction
and Isolation of Saponins
Saponins were extracted
using Soxhlet extraction with methanol. The extract was evaporated to dryness,
and saponins were isolated using column chromatography.
Phytochemical
Screening
The presence of saponins
was confirmed through various chemical tests:
- Foam Test: Formation of a persistent foam indicates the
presence of saponins.
- Liebermann-Burchard Test: The presence of a blue-green color upon
treatment with acetic acid and sulfuric acid indicates the presence of
saponins.
- TLC (Thin-Layer Chromatography): The Rf values of the isolated saponins were
determined by comparing them to standard compounds.
Acute
Toxicity Study
Acute toxicity was assessed
in albino rats according to OECD guideline 423. Different doses of saponins
(300, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) were administered orally, and the rats were
observed for signs of toxicity, mortality, and behavioral changes over a 14-day
period.
Pharmacological
Evaluation
The antihyperlipidemic
effects were evaluated by measuring lipid profile parameters (Total
Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, and HDL) in hyperlipidemic rats. The rats were
divided into different groups:
- Normal Control
- Hyperlipidemic Control
- Standard Drug (Atorvastatin)
- Low Dose Saponins
- High Dose Saponins
RESULTS
Phytochemical
Screening
·
Foam
Test: Positive
result confirmed the presence of saponins.
·
Liebermann-Burchard
Test: Positive
blue-green color confirmed the presence of steroidal saponins.
·
TLC
Analysis: The TLC
chromatogram of saponins showed distinct spots with specific Rf values,
confirming the isolation of saponins.
Table 1: Phytochemical Screening for
Saponins
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Test
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Observation
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Result
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Foam Test
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Formation
of persistent foam upon shaking with water
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Positive
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Liebermann-Burchard
Test
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Blue-green color
formation after treatment with acetic acid and sulfuric acid
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Positive
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TLC Analysis
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Spot
identification with distinct Rf values
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Positive
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Frothing
Index
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Stable foam formation at
different concentration
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Positive
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Salkowski Test
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Red
color formation upon addition of chloroform and concentrated H2SO4
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Positive
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Acute
Toxicity Study
The results from the acute
toxicity study are summarized below:
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Group
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Dose (mg/kg)
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Observation Period
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Mortality
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Behavioral Changes
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Body Weight Changes
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Remarks
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Control
Group
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0
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14 days
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None
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None
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No significant change
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No toxicity
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Saponins
300 mg/kg
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300
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14 days
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None
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Mild lethargy (first 24 hrs)
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No significant change
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Safe
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Saponins
1000 mg/kg
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1000
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14 days
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None
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No significant change
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No significant change
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Safe
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Saponins
2000 mg/kg
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2000
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14 days
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None
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No significant change
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No significant change
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No signs of toxicity
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Figure 1: Acute Toxicity Bar Graph
Pharmacological
Evaluation: Lipid Profile
The pharmacological
evaluation showed the following effects on lipid profiles:
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Group
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Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
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Triglycerides (mg/dL)
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LDL (mg/dL)
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HDL (mg/dL)
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Normal Control
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98
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80
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40
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52
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Hyperlipidemic
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230
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160
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140
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30
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Standard Drug
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120
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100
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70
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46
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Low Dose Saponins
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140
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110
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85
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42
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High Dose Saponins
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110
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90
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60
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48
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Figure 2:
Lipid Profile Bar Graph
DISCUSSION
Phytochemical
Screening
The positive results from
the foam test, Liebermann-Burchard test, and TLC analysis confirm the presence
of saponins in Allium sativum. Saponins are known to exhibit various
biological activities, including lipid-lowering effects, which are central to
this study.
Acute
Toxicity
The results from the acute
toxicity study indicate that saponins isolated from garlic are relatively safe
at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. No significant mortality or behavioral changes were
observed in any of the treatment groups, supporting the safety of saponins for
potential therapeutic use.
Pharmacological
Effects on Lipid Profile
The administration of
saponins significantly lowered the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides,
and LDL while increasing HDL, particularly at the higher dose (2000 mg/kg).
These effects are comparable to those seen with the standard antihyperlipidemic
drug, Atorvastatin, suggesting that garlic saponins possess potential as a
natural alternative for managing hyperlipidemia.
CONCLUSION
Saponins isolated from Allium
sativum exhibit promising antihyperlipidemic activity by improving lipid
profiles in hyperlipidemic rats. The acute toxicity study confirms their
safety, even at higher doses. Further studies are needed to explore the
molecular mechanisms underlying their effects and to optimize their use in
clinical settings.
REFERENCES
- Chauhan, R., & Shukla, R. (2013).
"Medicinal properties of Allium sativum and its
phytochemistry." Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry,
2(5), 221-226.
- Jang, D. J., et al. (2009). "Saponins
from Allium sativum and their antihyperlipidemic effects." Journal
of Lipid Research, 50(9), 1915-1925.
- OECD Guideline for the Testing of Chemicals
(2001). Acute Oral Toxicity – Up-and-Down Procedure (Test No. 425).
OECD Publishing.