Silver complexation and tandem mass spectrometry for differentiation of triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel.
For detection and differentiation of two types of triterpenoid saponins based on different aglycons of the lupane and oleanane skeleton from the roots of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, the silver ion was introduced and electrospray ionization multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry was applied to analyze eleven triterpenoid saponin silver complexes. The quasi-molecular ion [M+Ag](+) was observed in the full-scan MS spectra of all the silver complexes. The MS(2) data of the [M+Ag](+) ion provided structural information on the sugar sequence of the oligosaccharide chains and the aglycon of the saponins. There are two patterns in the cleavage pathway of oleanane-type saponins. One is elimination of the sugar chain and subsequent loss of the carboxylic group which is the same as the cleavage of lupine-type saponins. The other is loss of the distinguishing ions at m/z 72 and 28 (C(2)H(4)) followed by loss of the carboxylic group. Diagnostic fragmentation pathways of the silver complexes of the saponins allow successful identification of the two types of saponins from the roots of Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel.
Saponins and their derivatives: potential candidates to alleviate anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and multidrug resistance.
Anthracyclines (ANTs) continue to play an irreplaceable role in oncology treatment. However, the clinical application of ANTs has been limited. In the first place, ANTs can cause dose-dependent cardiotoxicity such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. In the second place, the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) leads to their chemotherapeutic failure. Oncology cardiologists are urgently searching for agents that can both protect the heart and reverse MDR without compromising the antitumor effects of ANT. Based on in vivo and in vitro data, we found that natural compounds, including saponins, may be active agents for other both natural and chemical compounds in the inhibition of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) and the reversal of MDR. In this review, we summarize the work of previous researchers, describe the mechanisms of AIC and MDR, and focus on revealing the pharmacological effects and potential molecular targets of saponins and their derivatives in the inhibition of AIC and the reversal of MDR, aiming to encourage future research and clinical trials.
Interaction of Diclofop-Methyl and MCPA on Wild Oats (Avena fatua)
Diclofop-methyl {methyl 2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy] propanoate} loses part of its activity on wild oats (Avena fatua L.) when it is applied in combination with ester or amine formulations of MCPA {[4-chloro-o-tolyl)oxy] acetic acid.} Uptake of diclofop-methyl is reduced in the presence of commercial formulations of MCPA, particularly amine formulations, which are only partly compatible with the diclofop-methyl formulation. With added MCPA, regardless of formulation, hydrolysis of diclofop-methyl to the acid diclofop is slowed down, both in intact wild oat plants and in a crude leaf extract. At the same time, conversion of any acid formed to inactive conjugates is accelerated in the presence of MCPA. It is concluded that the loss of activity of diclofop-methyl by MCPA can be accounted for by the effects of MCPA on uptake and metabolic conversion of diclofop-methyl.