Saponins and Flavone Glycosides in Tridex procumbens: Characterization and Biological Activities

Abstract

Tridex procumbens, a common grass indigenous to tropical southern Nigeria, has garnered attention for its pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial effects and wound healing stimulation. The plant’s extract contains various compounds such as flavones, glycosides, polysaccharides, and monosaccharides. Saponins, characterized by their molecular structure as triterpene or steroid glycosides, are widely distributed in higher plants and marine animals. In this study, Tridex procumbens leaves were collected from central India and subjected to extraction using diethyl ether, 90% alcohol, and water. The resulting crude extracts were examined for the presence of saponins, a class of compounds known for their diverse biological activities. Primary examination of the plant extract revealed the presence of 5,7,4–Trihydroxy-6,3-Dimethoxy flavone molecule, indicating potential therapeutic compounds.

Further experimental investigation focused on the indigenous plant extract’s antiasthmatic effect on experimental animals’ mast cells. The water and alcoholic extracts were administered at varying doses, showing significant inhibition of histamine release from mast cells, with the 90% alcoholic extract demonstrating maximum inhibition (67%) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. These findings suggest promising mast cell histamine inhibitory activity in the compounds isolated from Tridex procumbens. The results correlate with prior studies, supporting the potential medicinal value of this plant. Overall, the study underscores the potential of Tridex procumbens as a source of bioactive compounds with antiasthmatic properties, warranting further research into its therapeutic applications.