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Saponin content and cicatrizing activity of Cecropia peltata and Parthenium hysterophorus

Abstract:

Introduction: Saponins are glycosidic compounds that contain a triterpene or steroidal skeleton. Few studies have been carried out about these chemical compounds as cicatrizing agents, isolated from Cecropia peltata and Parthenium hysterophorus. Objective: To compare the yields of saponin crudes, isolated in C. peltata and P. hysterophorus; and their hemolytic and cicatrizing effects were assessed. Methods: Saponin crude was extracted from the dry and pulverized leaves of each species. By means of the foam test, the Liebermann-Burchard test, and with the analysis by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the presence of saponins and their chemical structure was assessed. The gels prepared with saponin crudes were applied to the wounds produced in Wistar rats and the histological sections were analyzed seven days after treatment. Results: The Liebermann-Burchard test produced the characteristic red coloration of triterpenic structure saponin, in both species. The analysis of the absorption spectra of the FT-IR confirmed the presence of saponins in the crudes; but C. peltata had higher saponin content and hemolytic activity than P. hysterophorus. By macroscopic observation after day seven of treatment, the percentage of wound cicatrization was between 80.2 % and 84.5 % for the positive control group; between 81.35 % and 88.03 %, forC. peltata; as well as between 74.4 and 80.2 %, for P. hysterophorus; in addition, the treatment with C. peltata gel had the best tissue re-epithelialization. Conclusions: The content of saponins in C. peltata was higher than those of P. hysterophorus, and its benefit for wound cicatrization was evidenced. Therefore, the crude saponin gel, extracted from C. peltata, can be an economical and viable alternative to be used as a cicatrizing agent.