Anti-inflammatory and hemocompatibility of saponin fractions from wild-growing rupturewort (Herniaria L.) species: In vitro study and phytochemical analysis
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Date
2026-02-28
Journal Title
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Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Members of the Herniaria (L.) genus are traditionally recommended to treat urinary tract diseases as well as other disorders, including inflammation of various etiology.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to explore the biological activity of saponin fractions (1–50 μg/mL) derived from the whole herb of Herniaria glabra L. (HG) and H. polygama J. Gay (HP), and aerial parts of H. incana Lam (HI) in terms of their anti-inflammatory efficacy, influence on the blood coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis, and safety for blood cells.
Materials and methods: Saponin fractions were characterized and quantified by UHPLC-HRMS spectrometer using in-house prepared herniariasaponin standards (HS1, HS4-HS19). Herniariasaponins (HS) were separated from the complex matrix using the combination of liquid-liquid partitioning, solid-phase extraction and gel filtration. Hemocompatibility of the fractions was examined in plasma, whole blood and isolated erythrocytes. Their anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanisms of action were studied in the experimental systems models of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and THP1-ASC-GFP reporter cells.
Results: Bidesmosides of medicagenic and zanhic acids predominated (e.g., HS5, HS7) across all investigated saponin fractions, whereas HS1 and H10 were present only in the HG and HP fractions. The major monodesmosides of medicagenic acid denoted as HS6 and HS4 were detected in all studied species. Herniaria saponin fractions displayed considerable anti-inflammatory properties, primarily through modulation of the MYD88-IRAK1-IKK2/IKKβ signaling axis, resulting in suppression of NF-κB activation and inhibition of inflammasome formation. The fractions were also hemocompatible, with no effects on the coagulant and fibrinolytic properties of plasma. No toxic effects of the saponin fractions on isolated PBMCs or erythrocytes were detected at 1 and 5 μg/mL, and no hemolysis was found in whole blood across the concentration range of 1–50 μg/mL.
Conclusions: Herniaria saponin fractions display good hemocompatibility and suppress inflammatory response at different molecular levels, including inhibitory effects on activation of signaling pathways and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators.
Description
Keywords
Herniaria L., rupturewort, Caryophyllaceae, LC-MS, triterpenoid saponins, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, plasma, hemostasis, blood
Citation
Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2026; 357, 120953