Work

LC–HRMS Identification of Yucca schidigera Saponins and Correlation with Antimicrobial and Anticoccidial Properties

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives This study investigated the relationship between the chemical composition of Yucca schidigera saponins and their antimicrobial and anticoccidial activities against Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria tenella . Methods Extracts of Y. schidigera were obtained using 100% methanol (MeOH), 50% MeOH, and water, and characterized by LC–HRMS to identify saponins. Multivariate analyses (PLS–DA and OPLS-DA) were performed to assess chemical differences among extracts. In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate antimicrobial activity against C. perfringens and anticoccidial activity against E. tenella . The most active extract was fractionated into three saponin-enriched subfractions, and ridge regression was applied to link chemical composition to bioactivity. Results LC–HRMS identified multiple saponins in all extracts, with chemical differences among solvents. The 100% and 50% MeOH extracts inhibited C. perfringens growth at 750 ppm, while the water extract was inactive. The 100% MeOH extract reduced E. tenella intracellular development by 77%, compared with 48% and 25% inhibition by the 50% MeOH and water extracts. Fractionation of this extract produced three subfractions, of which the first (fraction 1) showed the highest bioactivity (MIC = 500 ppm; 84% inhibition of E. tenella ). Ridge regression highlighted schidigerasaponins D3/D4, smilagenin, sarsasapogenin, and hecogenin as key contributors to bioactivity. Conclusion Y. schidigera saponins exhibit significant antimicrobial and anticoccidial activity. The study establishes a data-driven framework for predicting structure–activity relationships, providing a rational basis for botanical screening and standardization.

Source: Natural Product Communications

DOI: 10.1177/1934578x251412198