title: Variability in Saponin Content, Cancer Antiproliferative Activity and Physicochemical Properties of Concentrated Agave Sap.
abstract: Concentrated agave sap (CAS) has gained popularity as an unrefined sweetener. It is obtained by boiling "aguamiel" that contains phytochemicals with diverse bioactivities. Saponins have been the most widely studied agave phytochemicals due to their cancer antiproliferative effect but their concentration may vary due to maturity of the agave plant and collection site. In this study, 18 CAS samples produced in different states of Mexico were analyzed using multivariate methods to determine which physicochemical or phytochemical parameters were responsible for variation. Additionally, extracts with different saponin profiles were tested to determine possible correlations with antiproliferative activity. Total soluble solids, pH, and water activity were similar to those reported for other agave sweeteners. Antioxidant capacity of samples was correlated to browning index. Eleven steroidal saponins were found in CAS samples and they were the main source of variability. Magueyoside B, a kammogenin tetraglycoside, was the most abundant saponin in all samples. With respect to bioactivity, multivariate analysis indicated that magueyoside B and a gentrogenin tetraglycoside were compounds strongly related with bioactivity. CAS from Hidalgo, Puebla, and Veracruz had higher concentration of magueyoside B than from the other kamogenin tetraglycoside found in the samples from other Mexican states. These results could be used as a first approach to characterize and standardize CAS to validate the potential health benefits derived from its consumption.
authors.affiliation: Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, C.P, 64849, Monterrey, N.L, Mexico.
authors.forename: Liliana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Santos-Zea
authors.affiliation: Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, C.P, 64849, Monterrey, N.L, Mexico.
authors.forename: Aratza Mireya
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rosas-Pérez
authors.affiliation: Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, C.P, 64849, Monterrey, N.L, Mexico.
authors.forename: Ana María
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Leal-Díaz
authors.affiliation: Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, C.P, 64849, Monterrey, N.L, Mexico.
authors.forename: Janet A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez-Uribe
mesh_terms: D027882:Agave / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018938:Caco-2 Cells; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053147:Plant Exudates / Q000737:chemistry; D012503:Saponins / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013549:Sweetening Agents
chemical_list: D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D010936:Plant Extracts; D053147:Plant Exudates; D012503:Saponins; D013549:Sweetening Agents
keywords: anticancer; gentrogenin; kammogenin; magueyoside B; saponins; variability