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Applications of Saponin Extract from Asparagus Roots as Functional Ingredient

Authors :
Amel Hamdi
Isabel Viera-Alcaide
Ana Jiménez-Araujo
Rocío Rodríguez-Arcos
Rafael Guillén-Bejarano
Source :
Foods, Vol 13, Iss 2, p 274 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

When replanting an asparagus field, the roots of the previous crop are crushed and incorporated into the soil, creating problems of autotoxicity and fungal infections. Asparagus roots can be considered as a valuable byproduct, since they are very rich in saponins (3–6%), compounds currently considered as bio-emulsifiers. The objective is to evaluate the emulsifying and foaming capacity of a saponin extract from asparagus roots (ARS) and compare it with other commercial extracts. ARS was obtained using a process patented by our research group. The results have shown that ARS has activity similar to Quillaja extract. Its critical micellar concentration falls between that of Quillaja and Tribulus extracts (0.064, 0.043, and 0.094 g/100 mL, respectively). Both emulsifying and foaming activities are affected by pH, salt, and sucrose to a similar extent as the other extracts. Additionally, it has demonstrated an inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase, which is even better than the other two studied extracts, as indicated by its IC50 value (0.7887, 1.6366, and 2.0107 mg/mL for asparagus, Quillaja, and Tribulus, respectively). These results suggest that ARS could serve as a natural emulsifying/foaming agent for healthier and safer food products and as a potential aid in treatments for obesity and hyperlipidemia.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23048158
Volume :
13
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Foods
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.023ae9c542746fcaa94bb818be3541d
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13020274