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Quillay (Quillaja saponaria Molina) and peumo (Cryptocarya alba [Molina] Looser) are two tree species endemic to Chile that grow in Mediterranean climate zones, characterized by a summer season with high temperatures, high solar radiation, and low soil water availability. A study was conducted with 2-year-old Q. saponaria and C. alba plants and two substrate water conditions: well-watered and controlled water restriction. At the end of the study, anatomical leaf modifications were analyzed. The tissues were anatomically described in transverse sections of juvenile and adult leaves, measuring leaf thickness, cuticle thickness, and cell density of the mesophyll parenchymal tissues. In the young leaves of Q. saponaria plants undergoing water restriction treatment, an increase in cuticle and leaf thickness and a decrease in the density of the palisade and spongy parenchyma were observed. In contrast, a significant reduction in leaf thickness was observed in adult leaves of both species with water restriction treatment. The anatomical changes in the leaves of Q. saponaria and C. alba suggest an adaptation to adverse environmental conditions, such as water restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Methotrexate (MTX) is an antineoplastic/immunosuppressive drug, whose clinical use is impeded owing to its serious adverse effects; one of which is acute kidney injury (AKI). Most of MTX complications emerged from the provoked pro-oxidant-, pro-inflammatory- and pro-apoptotic effects. Quillaja saponaria bark saponin (QBS) is a bioactive triterpene that has been traditionally used as an antitussive, anti-inflammatory supplement, and to boost the immune system due to its potent antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the protective/therapeutic potential of QBS against AKI has not been previously evaluated. This study aimed to assess the modulatory effect of QBS on MTX-induced reno-toxicity. Methods Thirty-two male rats were divided into 4-groups. Control rats received oral saline (group-I). In group-II, rats administered QBS orally for 10-days. In group-III, rats were injected with single i.p. MTX (20 mg/kg) on day-5. Rats in group-IV received QBS and MTX. Serum BUN/creatinine levels were measured, as kidney-damage-indicating biomarkers. Renal malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced-glutathione (GSH) and nitric-oxide (NOx) were determined, as oxidative-stress indices. Renal expression of TNF-α protein and Nrf-2/Keap-1 mRNAs were evaluated as regulators of inflammation. Renal Bcl-2/cleaved caspase-3 immunoreactivities were evaluated as apoptosis indicators. Results Exaggerated kidney injury upon MTX treatment was evidenced histologically and biochemically. QBS attenuated MTX-mediated renal degeneration, oxidant-burden enhancement, excessive inflammation, and proapoptotic induction. Histopathological analysis further confirmed the reno-protective microenvironment rendered by QBS. Conclusions In conclusion, our results suggest the prophylactic and/or therapeutic effects of QBS in treating MTX-induced AKI. Such reno-protection is most-likely mediated via Nrf-2 induction that interferes with oxidant load, inflammatory pathways, and proapoptotic signaling. Graphical Abstract

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is an antineoplastic/immunosuppressive drug, whose clinical use is impeded owing to its serious adverse effects; one of which is acute kidney injury (AKI). Most of MTX complications emerged from the provoked pro-oxidant-, pro-inflammatory- and pro-apoptotic effects. Quillaja saponaria bark saponin (QBS) is a bioactive triterpene that has been traditionally used as an antitussive, anti-inflammatory supplement, and to boost the immune system due to its potent antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the protective/therapeutic potential of QBS against AKI has not been previously evaluated. This study aimed to assess the modulatory effect of QBS on MTX-induced reno-toxicity. Methods: Thirty-two male rats were divided into 4-groups. Control rats received oral saline (group-I). In group-II, rats administered QBS orally for 10-days. In group-III, rats were injected with single i.p. MTX (20 mg/kg) on day-5. Rats in group-IV received QBS and MTX. Serum BUN/creatinine levels were measured, as kidney-damage-indicating biomarkers. Renal malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced-glutathione (GSH) and nitric-oxide (NOx) were determined, as oxidative-stress indices. Renal expression of TNF-α protein and Nrf-2/Keap-1 mRNAs were evaluated as regulators of inflammation. Renal Bcl-2/cleaved caspase-3 immunoreactivities were evaluated as apoptosis indicators. Results: Exaggerated kidney injury upon MTX treatment was evidenced histologically and biochemically. QBS attenuated MTX-mediated renal degeneration, oxidant-burden enhancement, excessive inflammation, and proapoptotic induction. Histopathological analysis further confirmed the reno-protective microenvironment rendered by QBS. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest the prophylactic and/or therapeutic effects of QBS in treating MTX-induced AKI. Such reno-protection is most-likely mediated via Nrf-2 induction that interferes with oxidant load, inflammatory pathways, and proapoptotic signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teline monspessulana and Ulex europaeus (Fabaceae) are highly invasive species distributed worldwide. In Chile, both species share a similar distribution area with the native species Quillaja saponaria and Peumus boldus. This research focused on determining the effects caused by the aqueous extracts of the aerial organs of both invaders on the initial growth and photosynthetic performance of the two native tree species. Experiments were established under controlled conditions simulating natural conditions where both invasive and native species coexist. Morphometric variables defining root and aerial development were evaluated. Photosynthetic performance was also evaluated by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence, pigment content, and non-structural carbohydrates. In Q. saponaria seedlings, the growth of aerial and root organs was affected, but the production of photoassimilates increased under allelochemical stress. No damage to the photosynthetic machinery was observed in P. boldus, but its initial growth was notably reduced, possibly compromising its survival when interacting with both invasive species. The results indicated that allelochemicals synthesized by the two invasive species differentially affected the morphophysiological performance of the two native species. In terms of carbon administration, our results indicate that Q. saponaria seedlings probably use the assimilated carbon for biomass and defensive compound production. In contrast, P. boldus seedling growth is more sensitive to allelochemical stress and is seriously compromised, maybe because its metabolism is mainly invested in defensive compounds to deal with invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quillay (Quillaja saponaria Molina) and peumo (Cryptocarya alba [Molina] Looser) are two tree species endemic to Chile that grow in Mediterranean climate zones, characterized by a summer season with high temperatures, high solar radiation, and low soil water availability. A study was conducted with 2-year-old Q. saponaria and C. alba plants and two substrate water conditions: well-watered and controlled water restriction. At the end of the study, anatomical leaf modifications were analyzed. The tissues were anatomically described in transverse sections of juvenile and adult leaves, measuring leaf thickness, cuticle thickness, and cell density of the mesophyll parenchymal tissues. In the young leaves of Q. saponaria plants undergoing water restriction treatment, an increase in cuticle and leaf thickness and a decrease in the density of the palisade and spongy parenchyma were observed. In contrast, a significant reduction in leaf thickness was observed in adult leaves of both species with water restriction treatment. The anatomical changes in the leaves of Q. saponaria and C. alba suggest an adaptation to adverse environmental conditions, such as water restriction.

Fumigant use in perennial crops can be reduced through prolonging the life of existing orchards. The longer an orchard remains healthy and productive, the less often it will be terminated, fumigated, and replanted. Two trials were conducted to determine the effectiveness of DiTera, a toxin produced by the fungus (Myrothecium verrucaria) and Nema-Q, an extract of the soap bark tree (Quillaja saponaria) for management of root-lesion (Pratylenchus vulnus) and ring (Mesocriconema xenopla) nematodes on walnuts. In the first trial, spring and fall treatments of DiTera were applied each year for four years to variety 'Chandler' scion on seedling 'Paradox' rootstock, and to own-rooted 'Chandler' trees. On 'Paradox' rootstock, both DiTera and Nema-Q increased walnut yields (P ≤ 0.05) and produced more vigorous trees (P ≤ 0.05) without significant reductions in nematode populations (P ≤ 0.05). A second trial was conducted with three rates of DiTera and four rates of Nema-Q, combinations of the two products, and an untreated control on 'Chandler' scion on 'Paradox' rootstock. The highest rate of Nema-Q (P ≤ 0.05), and a combination treatment of DiTera plus Nema-Q (P ≤ 0.05) increased trunk circumference. Several treatments showed reductions in root-lesion and ring nematodes (P ≤ 0.05). Bionematicides can improve yield, growth, and vigor in walnut orchards infested with plant-parasitic nematodes.

Aqueous extracts of Quillaja saponaria Molina are US FDA approved as food additives in beverages with known antiviral activity. Due to lack of commercially available vaccines against human noroviruses (HNoVs), alternate methods to prevent their spread and the subsequent emergence of variant strains are being researched. Furthermore, HNoVs are not yet culturable at high enough titers to determine inactivation, therefore surrogates continue to be used. This research analyzed the effect of aqueous Quillaja saponaria extracts (QE) against HNoV surrogates, Tulane virus (TV), murine norovirus (MNV-1), and feline calicivirus (FCV-F9) at room temperature (RT) and 37 °C. Viruses (~ 5 log PFU/mL) were individually treated with 1:1 or 1:5 (v/v) diluted QE (pH ~ 3.75), malic acid control (pH 3.0) or phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2, as control) at 37 °C or RT for up to 6 h. Individual treatments were replicated three times using duplicate plaque assays for each treatment. FCV-F9 at ~ 5 log PFU/mL was not detectable after 15 min by 1:1 QE at 37 °C and RT. At RT, 1:5 QE lowered FCV-F9 titers by 2.05, 2.14 and 2.74 log PFU/mL after 0.5 h, 1 h and 2 h, respectively. MNV-1 showed marginal reduction of < 1 log PFU/mL after 15 min with 1:1 or 1:5 QE at 37 °C without any significant reduction at RT, while TV titers decreased by 2.2 log PFU/mL after 30 min and were undetectable after 3 h at 37 °C. Longer incubation with higher QE concentrations may be required for improved antiviral activity against MNV-1 and TV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Antibiotics are banned in animal feed, and substances used to replace antibiotics are being found continuously. Yucca schidigera, Quillaja saponaria, and Yucca saponin are natural plants and their components, which have many beneficial health functions for animals, are suitable as animal feed additives to replace antibiotics. By comparing the impacts of three substances on the growth, immunity, and intestinal health of broilers, this study found that Yucca schidigera, Quillaja saponaria, and Yucca saponin all promote the healthy growth of broilers, and Yucca saponin has better effects than the other two substances. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Yucca saponin (YSa), Yucca schidigera (YS), and Quillaja Saponaria (QS) on growth performance, nitrogen metabolism, immune ability, antioxidant capability, and intestinal flora of yellow-feather broilers. This study randomly divided a total of 480 1-day yellow-feather broilers into 4 treatment groups. Factors in the 4 groups included CON group (basic diet), YSa group (basic diet mixed with 500 mg/kg YSa), YS group (basic diet mixed with 500 mg/kg YS), and QS group (basic diet mixed with 500 mg/kg QS). Throughout the 56-day study period, YSa, YS, and QS groups had higher average daily gain in broilers than the CON group (p < 0.01). The YS group had a lower feed gain ratio (F: G) in broilers than the CON group (p < 0.05). YSa, YS, and QS showed increased serum immunoglobin A (IgA), immunoglobin Y (IgY), immunoglobin M (IgM), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels; enhanced acetic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid levels of cecal content; and reduced contents of ammonia nitrogen, urea nitrogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum in broilers (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Lachnoclostridium in the QS group was decreased compared with that in the CON group (p < 0.05). Higher IgA and IgY sera contents were observed in the YS group compared to the YSa and QS groups (p < 0.05). In contrast with the QS group, the serum IL-6 concentration of the YS group was reduced (p < 0.05). In conclusion, YSa, YS, and QS promoted growth performance, nitrogen metabolism, immunity, antioxidant capability, and intestinal flora in broilers. Through the comparison of YSa, YS, and QS, it was found that YS is more suitable as a feed additive to ameliorate the healthy growth of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey adulteration is a common practice that affects food quality and sale prices, and certifying the origin of the honey using non-destructive methods is critical. Guindo Santo and Quillay are fundamental for the honey production of Biobío and the Ñuble region in Chile. Furthermore, Guindo Santo only exists in this area of the world. Therefore, certifying honey of this species is crucial for beekeeper communities—mostly natives—to give them advantages and competitiveness in the global market. To solve this necessity, we present a system for detecting adulterated endemic honey that combines different artificial intelligence networks with a confocal optical microscope and a tunable optical filter for hyperspectral data acquisition. Honey samples artificially adulterated with syrups at concentrations undetectable to the naked eye were used for validating different artificial intelligence models. Comparing Linear discriminant analysis (LDA), Support vector machine (SVM), and Neural Network (NN), we reach the best average accuracy value with SVM of 93% for all classes in both kinds of honey. We hope these results will be the starting point of a method for honey certification in Chile in an automated way and with high precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saponins from Quillaja saponaria and Chenopodium quinoa were evaluated as natural emulsifiers in the formation of astaxanthin enriched canola oil emulsions. The aim of this study was to define the processing conditions for developing emulsions and to evaluate their physical stability against environmental conditions: pH (2–10), temperature (20–50 °C), ionic strength (0–500 mM NaCl), and storage (35 days at 25 °C), as well as their performance in an in vitro digestion model. The emulsions were characterized, evaluating their mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were effectively produced using 1% oil phase and 1% emulsifier (saponins). Emulsions were stable over a wide range of pH values (4–10), but exhibited particle aggregation at lower pH, salt conditions, and high temperatures. The emulsion stability index (ESI) remained above 80% after 35 days of storage. The results of our study suggest that saponins can be an effective alternative to synthetic emulsifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this research study is to assess the effect of diesel vehicles' high gases and particulate matter emissions on Quillaja saponaria Mol.'s (Quillay) photosystem II (Fv/FmPD) maximum quantum performance at pre-dawn. Q. saponaria is the most common native tree species in Santiago's (Chile) urban area. Young Q. saponaria individuals are assessed in a growth chamber under two different irrigation conditions. The results show that plants with restricted irrigation (-30 bars on average) resist coarse particulate matter better and have significantly higher Fv/FmPD values than plants without restricted irrigation (-8 bars on average). Carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter, and ozone emissions reduced Fv/FmPD significantly in irrigated plants, including plants with restricted irrigation. It is concluded that Fv/FmPD is more affected by pollutants in plants without restricted irrigation than in plants with restricted irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Yucca saponin (YSa), Yucca schidigera (YS), and Quillaja Saponaria (QS) on growth performance, nitrogen metabolism, immune ability, antioxidant capability, and intestinal flora of yellow-feather broilers. This study randomly divided a total of 480 1-day yellow-feather broilers into 4 treatment groups. Factors in the 4 groups included CON group (basic diet), YSa group (basic diet mixed with 500 mg/kg YSa), YS group (basic diet mixed with 500 mg/kg YS), and QS group (basic diet mixed with 500 mg/kg QS). Throughout the 56-day study period, YSa, YS, and QS groups had higher average daily gain in broilers than the CON group (p < 0.01). The YS group had a lower feed gain ratio (F: G) in broilers than the CON group (p < 0.05). YSa, YS, and QS showed increased serum immunoglobin A (IgA), immunoglobin Y (IgY), immunoglobin M (IgM), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels; enhanced acetic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid levels of cecal content; and reduced contents of ammonia nitrogen, urea nitrogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum in broilers (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Lachnoclostridium in the QS group was decreased compared with that in the CON group (p < 0.05). Higher IgA and IgY sera contents were observed in the YS group compared to the YSa and QS groups (p < 0.05). In contrast with the QS group, the serum IL-6 concentration of the YS group was reduced (p < 0.05). In conclusion, YSa, YS, and QS promoted growth performance, nitrogen metabolism, immunity, antioxidant capability, and intestinal flora in broilers. Through the comparison of YSa, YS, and QS, it was found that YS is more suitable as a feed additive to ameliorate the healthy growth of broilers.

The effect of shelter tubes on plant performance has been widely studied. Although, the role of shelter tubes in alleviating the effects of drought and high-irradiance stresses during seedling establishment has been less studied than its effect on survival. The present study compares the effects of shelter tubes with different light transmissivities (Lt) on survival and morpho-physiological responses of two coexisting tree species (drought-tolerant Quillaja saponaria and relatively more drought-sensitive Maytenus boaria) of the Chilean matorral during an exceptionally dry and warm growing season (2014–2015). Two-year-old seedlings were randomly assigned to shelter tubes differing in Lt (20, 40, 60, 80%) or to a control (no shelter, Lt 100%) at field conditions. Survival was measured monthly, while shoot and root biomass, root length, pre-dawn xylem water potential, and non-structural carbohydrate concentration (NSC) were measured 8 months after transplanting. Shelter tubes increased the seedling survival of Q. saponaria by 80–100% relative to the control conditions, where full mortality was observed by the end of the experiment. By contrast, M. boaria exhibited high mortality regardless of the presence of shelters, suggesting that tubes were ineffective to alleviate the summer-related stresses in this species. Xylem water potential of Q. saponaria seedlings was significantly lower at 80% Lt than at 40% Lt, where maximum values were observed. Also, at 40% Lt, plant height and root length were highest and shoot/root ratio the lowest. By contrast, no differences in NSC, stomatal conductance, and photochemical efficiency were observed among Lt treatments. We conclude that shelter tubes may alleviate summer stresses in drought-tolerant species such as Q. saponaria; hence, they appear to be effective reforestation ecotechnology under severe water limitations and high-irradiance stress imposed by the current drought and heatwaves conditions in central Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect of Quillaja Saponaria (QS) and linseed oil (LO) on water quality, growth performance, welfare profile, blood health and immune‐oxidative status of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Fish (n = 120, 10.28 ± 0.521 g) were randomly distributed in 12 aquaria in triplicate. Fish were divided into four groups: (1) fish received only basal diet (control group, CG), (2) basal diet supplemented with 300 mg kg−1Quillaja Saponaria (QS), (3) basal diet supplemented with 2% linseed oil (LO) and (4) basal diet supplemented with 300 mg kg−1Quillaja Saponaria and 2% linseed oil (QS/LO). Results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in fish productivity (final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio), water quality (low total ammonia nitrogen and unionized ammonia) and welfare indices (low detached scales and fin damage) in fish received QS and/or LO with the best findings being detected in QS/LO. Dietary inclusion of QS and/or LO increased the serum total protein and globulin and reduced the cholesterol and triglycerides compared with CG (p < 0.05) with the best findings in QS/LO. Antioxidant enzymes (increased catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced malonaldehyde), digestive enzymes (lipase and amylase) and relative gene expression (insulin growth factor I, superoxide dismutase, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha) were improved when fish received QS and/or LO with the best results in QS/LO. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of QS and/or LO improved growth performance, water quality, welfare profile and immune‐oxidative status of Nile tilapia fingerlings. The best findings being reported in fish received QS/LO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of Quillaja saponaria (QS) and Yucca schidigera (YS) on water quality, growth performance and health status of Nile tilapia. Fish (n = 120, 11.97 ± 0.497 g) were randomly distributed into four experimental groups in triplicates. (1) Control group (CG), fish received basal diet; (2) Yucca schidigera group (YS); fish received basal diet and 0.11 ml/m³ per week YS extract in water; (3) Quillaja saponaria group (QS), fish received basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/ kg QS extract; (4) Mixed group (QS/YS), fish received basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg QS and 0.11 ml/m³ per week YS extract in water. Results revealed an improvement of water quality parameters in QS/YS, YS and QS compared with CG (p ≤ 0.05). Fish received QS and/or YS showed higher growth performance and lower feed conversion ratio than CG (p ≤ 0.05), with the best findings being reported in QS/YS. Using QS and/or YS improved gill health, increased intestinal villi length and goblet cell number compared with CG (p ≤ 0.05). Lymphocytes, total protein, globulin and lysozyme activity were increased, while cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and creatinine were decreased in fish received QS and/or YS compared with CG (p ≤ 0.05), with the best results being observed in QS/YS. QS and/or YS supplementation increased lipase, amylase, superoxide dismutase, catalase while reduced malonaldehyde activity compared with CG, with the highest activity being recorded in QS/YS. Conclusively, Nile tilapia received QS and YS prompted synergistic effects that improved water quality, growth performance, immune- oxidative status, digestive enzymes, gills and intestine histomorphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of two different commercial products of Quillaja saponaria saponin extract on mortality of the free‐living copepodite stage sea‐lice Caligus rogercresseyi were assessed in vitro. Parasites were exposed for 24 hr to different concentrations of Quillaja extracts and then observed until 30 hr in non‐Quillaja media. The EC50 and EC90 were evaluated at 30 hr. High mortalities of copepodites were obtained at higher doses (500 ppm) for both extracts. Higher mortalities were obtained using the product with higher saponin content at 24 hr (23.3% vs. 86.6%) and 30 hr (63.3% vs. 93.3%) compared with the product containing less saponins. In addition, mortalities increased even after removing the extracts suggesting a residual and prolonged effect on the survival of the parasite. Our results indicated that the free‐living stage of the parasite is sensitive to saponins from Q. saponaria extracts and may be used to control or prevent the infestation of C. rogercresseyi in salmonids in Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey adulteration is a common practice that affects food quality and sale prices, and certifying the origin of the honey using non-destructive methods is critical. Guindo Santo and Quillay are fundamental for the honey production of Biobío and the Ñuble region in Chile. Furthermore, Guindo Santo only exists in this area of the world. Therefore, certifying honey of this species is crucial for beekeeper communities—mostly natives—to give them advantages and competitiveness in the global market. To solve this necessity, we present a system for detecting adulterated endemic honey that combines different artificial intelligence networks with a confocal optical microscope and a tunable optical filter for hyperspectral data acquisition. Honey samples artificially adulterated with syrups at concentrations undetectable to the naked eye were used for validating different artificial intelligence models. Comparing Linear discriminant analysis (LDA), Support vector machine (SVM), and Neural Network (NN), we reach the best average accuracy value with SVM of 93% for all classes in both kinds of honey. We hope these results will be the starting point of a method for honey certification in Chile in an automated way and with high precision.

The abundance of saponin-rich plants across different ecosystems indicates their great potential as a replacement for harmful synthetic surfactants in modern commercial products. These organic saponins have remarkable biological and surface-active properties and align with sustainable and eco-friendly practices. This article examines and discusses the structure and properties of plant saponins with high yield of saponin concentrations and their exploitable applications. This highlights the potential of saponins as ethical substitutes for traditional synthetic surfactants and pharmacological agents, with favorable effects on the economy and environment. For this purpose, studies on the relevant capabilities, structure, and yield of selected plants were thoroughly examined. Studies on the possible uses of the selected saponins have also been conducted. This in-depth analysis highlights the potential of saponins as workable and ethical replacements for traditional synthetic medications and surfactants, thus emphasizing their favorable effects on human health and the environment. [Display omitted] • An exploration into the multifaceted nature of plant saponins unveiling their versatile potential was attempted. • The sources, structure, physiochemical and biological properties of saponins were discussed. • Examines structural attributes and properties of high-concentration plant saponins for potential applications. • The structure and concentrations of selected plant saponins were recorded. • Sustainable plant saponin extraction offers health and industrial benefits, like anti cancer and anti-diabetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saponins from Quillaja saponaria and Chenopodium quinoa were evaluated as natural emulsifiers in the formation of astaxanthin enriched canola oil emulsions. The aim of this study was to define the processing conditions for developing emulsions and to evaluate their physical stability against environmental conditions: pH (2–10), temperature (20–50 °C), ionic strength (0–500 mM NaCl), and storage (35 days at 25 °C), as well as their performance in an in vitro digestion model. The emulsions were characterized, evaluating their mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were effectively produced using 1% oil phase and 1% emulsifier (saponins). Emulsions were stable over a wide range of pH values (4–10), but exhibited particle aggregation at lower pH, salt conditions, and high temperatures. The emulsion stability index (ESI) remained above 80% after 35 days of storage. The results of our study suggest that saponins can be an effective alternative to synthetic emulsifiers.

The agroforestry activity of central Chile is developed under Mediterranean climate, characterized by long periods of water deficit conditions, particularly on hillsides with degraded and compacted soils. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of two soil and water conservation techniques on soil water content (SWC) and in plant growth and survival of three tree species. The conservation techniques evaluated were subsoiling with contour ridges (SB) and infiltration trench (IT), and a control treatment without soil management (CO). Growth and survival of Cytisus proliferus L. f. var. proliferus, Quercus suber L. and Quillaja saponaria Molina were examined. The experimental area was sown with a mixture of annual legumes. Conservation systems allowed higher SWC especially in years of higher rainfall (2008 and 2009) at 20-40 and 40-60 cm depth. SWC was higher in SB followed by IT and CO, whereas at 60-80 and 80-100 cm depth differences were significant only in the driest years. After 4 yr, plant survival of C. proliferus and Q. suber was similar in the three establishment systems (97% and 87%, respectively), but survival of Q. saponaria was lower in CO. Plant height in C. proliferus was higher in IT > SB > CO, while Q. suber was higher in SB > IT > CO; Q. saponaria had similar growth in SB and IT conservation systems but it was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in CO. It is concluded that subsoiling with ridges has a great potential for degraded and compact soils of the Mediterranean region, allowing higher SWC in the profile and better tree establishment and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildfires in the Valparaíso region (Chile) account for one of the main threats to local biodiversity, ecosystem services and infrastructure. This study focused on producing an initial record of thermo- and physicochemical properties of local forest species. For this purpose, leaf samples of species found in the Peñuelas Lake National Reserve, namely Pinus radiata , Eucalyptus globulus , Acacia dealbata , Quillaja saponaria and Cryptocarya alba , were collected and analysed. Higher and lower heating value, flash point, density and moisture content tests were performed for each sample. Overall results showed that lower heating values measured for both native and exotic species could indicate a high energy release source in wildfires. However, differences in the flash point between species indicated that C. alba and E. globulus had a lower ignition resistance than other species tested, possibly due to a lower flash point. In contrast, Q. saponaria and A. dealbata had the highest flash point for native and exotic species respectively. Finally, all presented data and procedures were aimed at establishing a foundation for a national database of critical forest species properties to be used in wildfire simulation tools. This database will enhance forest fire management effectiveness in Chile. The thermo- and physicochemical properties of exotic and native species foliage were used to identify which species favour wildfires and their propagation in the Valparaíso region, Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piscirickettsia salmonis, the etiological agent of Piscirickettsiosis, is a Gram-negative and facultative intracellular pathogen that has affected the Chilean salmon industry since 1989. The bacterium is highly aggressive and can survive and replicate within fish macrophages using the Dot/Icm secretion system to evade the host’s immune response and spread systemically. To date, no efficient control measures have been developed for this disease; therefore, the producers use large amounts of antibiotics to control this pathogen. In this frame, this work has focused on evaluating the use of saponins from Quillaja saponaria as a new alternative to control the Piscirickettsiosis. It has been previously reported that purified extract of Q. saponaria (PQSE) displays both antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and viruses and adjuvant properties. Our results show that PQSE does not present antimicrobial activity against P. salmonis, although it reduces P. salmonis infection in an in vitro model, promoting the phagosome–lysosome fusion. Additionally, we demonstrate that PQSE modulates the expression of IL-12 and IL-10 in infected cells, promoting the immune response against the pathogen and reducing the expression of pathogen virulence genes. These results together strongly argue for specific anti-invasion and anti-intracellular replication effects induced by the PQSE in macrophages.

This paper presents a spectral reflectance characterization of the specie Quillaja saponaria (Mol.), endemic tree of Chile and valued by society due to its provision of several ecosystem services that gives to society and also for its high concentration of saponins in cortex widely used in the pharmacological industry. For spectral characterization a foliar spectral signatures protocol was designed which included standardized instrumental and environmental parameters. The spectral response of different individuals was measured to evaluate the spectral behaviour and degree of variability within species in the visible and near infrared ranges (VNIR; 400-990 nm) with two hyperspectral sensors (ASD HH and camera PDF-65-V10E). The resulting spectral signatures obtained with ASD HH showed a variation less than 5% of reflectance in VNIR and lesser than that in the transition zone from red to near infrared (red-edge; 680-730 nm). Additionally, two distinctive spectral features were detected for the specie, the first is related to a fast increase of reflectance in bands 450-480 nm and the second, to a marked decrease in the 920-970 nm range associated with water absorption features. At branch level, these distinctive features are maintained but with a smaller magnitude of reflectance, which could indicate that they are useful characteristic spectral patterns that can eventually be used for monitoring the physical health state of the specie using remote sensing. On the other hand, we used a PDF-65 camera for study the plant vigour from different health states (healthy, ill, died) with spectral vegetation index. The Plant Senescence Reflectance Index detected stress on leaves, and Triangular Vegetation Index allows for a gradually characterization of every state. This work provides the first spectral reference for one of the most important sclerophyll species of Chile.

This study evaluated the effect of the dietary inclusion of Quillaja polyphenols on the antioxidant status of the animal and the oxidative quality of meat. One hundred and twenty-eight broiler chickens were assigned to the following experimental groups, T0: basal diet (control), T1: 500 mg/kg of extract 1 + basal diet, T2: 1000 mg/kg of extract 1 + basal diet, T3: 2000 mg/kg of extract 1 + basal diet, T4: 500 mg/kg of extract 2 + basal diet, T5: 1000 mg/kg of extract 2 + basal diet, T6: 2000 mg/kg of extract 2 + basal diet, and T7: 100 mg/kg of α-tocopherol (Vit E) + basal diet. Quillaja extract 1 was composed by 10% of extracts soluble in water, with 90% of particles smaller than an 80-mesh sieve, without additives. Quillaja extract 2 was composed by 8% total phenols, 2% of tannins and 0.2% of saponins. The animals were slaughtered on d 42 and samples of intra-cardiac blood and tissue samples (liver, breast and thigh) were taken and assigned to treatments of 0, 2, 4 and 6 d of refrigeration. Feed conversion and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) index were not affected by treatments. Compared with extract 1 treatments, control had higher lipid oxidation in liver (basal and induced oxidation) and thigh (induced and induced with Fe). Compared to extract 2 treatments, control induced higher lipid oxidation + Fe. Overall, the Quillay polyphenol extracts had the same protective effects against lipid oxidation as compared to those from Vit E group in broiler thigh tissue. This study is important for those producers looking to ameliorate lipid oxidation problems in meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Time of Emergence of forest is a useful tool to manage climate change impacts. • Detecting when and where Mediterranean forest will present changes in distribution. • Time of Emergence tool can be adapted to evaluate climate change in other forests. Climate change has intensified in recent decades, leading to increasingly severe droughts. This trend will continue due to the emissions and increasing concentration of greenhouse gas (GHG). One of the main direct climate change consequences is the modification and alteration of the dynamics and function of forest ecosystems, having effects ranging from physiological alterations in plants to definitive changes in their geographical distribution. Mediterranean ecosystems are particularly threatened, where the sclerophyllous forest of central Chile that is considered a biodiversity hotspot, is no exception. Despite that sclerophyllous species present drought adaptation mechanisms, there is no certainty of the climatic minimum thresholds in which it develops, or when climate changes will exceed these thresholds, causing definitive changes in its distribution. To evaluate these changes on the Andean Mediterranean Sclerophyllous Forest vegetation belt of Quillaja saponaria and Lithraea caustica , the forest was divided into six quadrants with similar climates. In each quadrant, a critical threshold ​​of a simplified water balance (SWB) was defined where the forest has historically developed. The SWB is considered to be a limiting factor in the forest development. Then, the Time of Emergence (ToE) of the forest is estimated, as the time when climate change projections exceed the critical thresholds, by using CMIP6 General Circulation Models (GCM), under SSP2-4.5 (moderate) and SSP5-8.5 (pessimistic) scenarios. Results indicate that the forest would begin to be displaced between 2060 and 2080 under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, particularly in the Talagante, Isla de Maipo, Paine, and Doñihue area, while no distribution changes are presented under SSP2-4.5 scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two saponins-rich plant extracts, viz. Saponaria officinalis and Quillaja saponaria, were used as surfactants in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion based on hempseed oil (HSO). This study focused on a low oil phase content of 2% v/v HSO to investigate stable emulsion systems under minimum oil phase conditions. Emulsion stability was characterized by the emulsification index (EI), centrifugation tests, droplet size distribution as well as microscopic imaging. The smallest droplets recorded by dynamic light scattering (droplets size v. number), one day after the preparation of the emulsion, were around 50–120 nm depending the on use of Saponaria and Quillaja as a surfactant and corresponding to critical micelle concentration (CMC) in the range 0–2 g/L. The surface and interfacial tension of the emulsion components were studied as well. The effect of emulsions on environmental bacteria strains was also investigated. It was observed that emulsions with Saponaria officinalis extract exhibited slight toxic activity (the cell metabolic activity reduced to 80%), in contrast to Quillaja emulsion, which induced Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 17400 growth. The highest-stability samples were those with doubled CMC concentration. The presented results demonstrate a possible use of oil emulsions based on plant extract rich in saponins for the food industry, biomedical and cosmetics applications, and nanoemulsion preparations.

Extracts rich in saponins from Quillaja saponaria Mol. and populations of rhizobacteria from the genus Pseudomonas, which produce antimicrobial compounds, have been associated with reduction of the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, the causal agent of take-all disease, which is responsible for severe loss of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops worldwide. However, there is a limited background on the interaction between these bacteria and natural triterpenoids. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of saponin rich extract on Pseudomonas protegens strains 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol-producers under in vitro and in plant conditions and determining the synergistic effect to be used together to control G. graminis var. tritici in wheat plants. We determined that 8% and 90% of saponins rich Q. saponaria extracts have a differential effect on P. protegens according to their purity (P ≤ 0.05). On wheat seedlings, quillaja extract with 90% of saponins did not affect the three antagonistic bacterial strain populations assessed, but affected biofilm formation at saponins concentration of 7360 mg L-1. Pseudomonas protegens strains had a variable antagonist activity in wheat plants, and controlled the fungus when were combined with different concentrations of pure Q. saponaria extract, with the concentration of 1840 ppm reducing the take-all disease in 32.5% with respect to the control inoculated with G. graminis var. tritici (P ≤ 0.05). However, no synergistic effects when the plant extract was combined with the bacterial strains were observed. These results showed the promising and complexity of combining bacterial and plant extract to develop a biopesticide, which could control this fungal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural alternate methods to control the spread of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are important to prevent foodborne outbreaks. Quillaja saponaria aqueous bark extracts (QE), cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a natural flavorant, contain bioactive polyphenols, tannins, and tri-terpenoid saponins with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of commercial QE against E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 strains over 16 h at 37 °C and RT. Overnight cultures of 4 E. coli O157:H7 strains and 6 non-O157 STECs in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) were washed and resuspended in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2), and treated with QE and controls including citric acid (pH 3.75), sodium benzoate (0.1% w/w), acidified sodium benzoate (pH 3.75) or PBS for 6 h or 16 h. Recovered bacteria were enumerated after plating on Tryptic Soy Agar, from duplicate treatments, replicated thrice and the data were statistically analyzed. The 4 QE-treated E. coli O157:H7 strains from initial ∼7.5 log CFU had remaining counts between 6.79 and 3.5 log CFU after 16 h at RT. QE-treated non-O157 STECs showed lower reductions with remaining counts ranging from 6.81 to 4.55 log CFU after 16 h at RT. Incubation at 37 °C caused reduction to nondetectable levels within 1 h, without any significant reduction in controls. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed damaged cell membranes of treated bacteria after 1 h at 37 °C. QE shows potential to control the spread of STECs, and further research in model food systems is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quillaja saponaria Mol. (Quillajaceae) is one of the most important melliferous species in Chile, mainly as a source of monofloral honey. Honey made by A. mellifera presents biological activity against pathogens and antioxidant capacity associated with the presence of phenolic compounds deriving from the nectar, as a result of bee honey foraging. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds from the floral nectar of Q. saponaria and the honey made in apiaries in the central zone, and compare the composition of the chromatographic profiles of nectar and honey to known phenolic compounds. The results obtained by HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection) showed a similar profile of phenolic compounds, in which gallic acid, myricetin, rutin, quercetin and naringenin were identified. The phenolic compounds detected could be used as a reference for future studies for determining potential chemical markers of this honey, complementing the present identification of honeys by determining their botanical origin. The identification of bioindicators of the floral origins for honey of this species could provide added value to honey commercialization by certifying the botanical origin of their chemical features and biological attributes.

A feeding trial was performed to determine the effect of a commercial source of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria extracts (Nutrafito Plus®), in practical diets, on striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus growth, feed utilization, body composition, total ammonia-nitrogen ( TAN) excretion and haematological parameters. Four experimental diets were supplemented with Nutrafito Plus® at 0%, 0.01%, 0.02% and 0.03% (diets: control, N01, N02 and N03 respectively). Three replicate groups of striped catfish, with initial mean weight of 1.78 ± 0.05 g, were fed one of the four diets for 12 weeks. The specific growth rate ( SGR) and final weight of fish fed diet N03 was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than fish fed the other dietary treatments. The growth performance of fish fed diets N01 and N02 were not significantly different compared to fish fed the control diet. Striped catfish fed diet N03 had improved feed conversion ratio ( FCR), net protein utilization ( NPU) and protein efficiency ratio ( PER) than the control ( P < 0.05). The inclusion of the high dietary level of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria, diet N03, reduced TAN compared to all groups. Dietary inclusion of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria at all levels investigated did not affect the whole body proximate composition of the striped catfish ( P > 0.05). The packed cell volume ( PCV) and haemoglobin level in fish fed diet N03 was significantly higher than in the fish fed the control diet. The present study demonstrates that dietary inclusion of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria induced positive effects on growth performance and haematological parameters and decreased TAN excretion in striped catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]