Effect of Quillaja saponaria saponins and Yucca schidigera plant extract on growth of Escherichia coli.
Escherichia coli K-12 was exposed to Quillaja saponaria saponins from various commercial firms (Sigma, Roth and Nor-feed) and to an extract of Yucca schidigera plant powder (DK Sarsaponin 30) at different concentrations (0.05-1.0% w/v). A concentration-dependent response was observed. Quillaja saponaria saponins from Sigma increased growth up to 0.1% (w/v) level, whereas Nor-feed and Roth saponins produced maximum growth at a much higher level (0.5 and 0.75%, w/v, respectively). These results suggest that quillaja saponins from various sources differ in their biological activity, although all three saponins had the same content of vanillin-sulphuric acid reactive moieties. The lyophilized water extract from the DK Sarsaponin powder showed maximum growth at 0.1% (w/v) level. The levels at which maximum growth was observed did not change on subjecting the quillaja or yucca saponins to heat treatment in an autoclave (121 degrees C for 30 min). All the saponins and the plant extract increased growth of Escherichia coli up to a certain concentration and thereafter decreased growth. In spite of the decreased growth at higher levels of saponins, it was higher compared to the control (without saponin) up to levels of 1% (w/v) for all saponins except Quillaja saponins from Sigma, for which the growth was lower at levels of 0.25% (w/v) and higher. Saponins have the potential to modulate microbial growth in natural and artificial fermenters.
Institute for Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
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D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D019668:Liliaceae / Q000737:chemistry; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry; D012503:Saponins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013150:Spirostans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D014197:Trees / Q000737:chemistry
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012503:Saponins; D013150:Spirostans; C046297:sarsasapogenin