Chemistry and Materials Research www.iiste.org ISSN 2224- 3224 (Print) ISSN 2225- 0956 (Online) Vol.3 No.6, 2013 - Selected from International Conference on Recent Trends in Applied Sciences with Engineering Applications 5 Biologically Active Saponin from Seeds of Allium Ampeloprasum Dr. CHETNA ACHARYA (Corresponding Author) Sagar Institute of Science Technology & Research, Sikandrabad, Ratibad, Bhopal, M.P. Contact No: 09827218979 E-mail: chetnacharya@gmail.com ARCHANA CHOUBEY Department of Chemistry, Govt. Autonomous Science College,Jabalpur, M.P. Contact: 09179568616 E-mail: choubey.a64@gmail.com MANOJ ACHARYA Department of Chemistry, Govt. Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhopal, M.P. Contact: 09827206056 E-mail: manojacharya31@gmail.com Abstract:- A novel oleanen type triterpenoid glycoside has been isolated from the butanolic extract of the seeds of Allium ampeloprasum. Its structure was elucidated as 3‐O‐{β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐( 1→2)]‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl}‐2,16‐dihydroxy‐23,29‐dihydroxymethylolean‐11,13(18)‐diene‐28‐oic acid on the basis of spectral evidences, i.e. FT‐IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and FAB‐MS data. The isolated saponin was tested for its antimicrobial activity. Significant results were obtained by evaluating the antibacterial activity by “Disc diffusion method” and antifungal activity by “Spore dilution method”. Maximum inhibition was recorded in gram positive bacterium‐ Streptococcus pneumoniae, while complete inhibition on the growth of fungus‐Alternaria alternata was observed at a concentration of 200 µg/mL. The potency of the extract was quantitatively assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration values against selected bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration values were in agreement with antibacterial results where minimum value was recorded to be 23 µg/mL for Streptococcus pneumonia. Key Words: Allium ampeloprasum, Triterpenoid, Saponin, Antimicrobial activity. 1. Introduction Chemical diversity in natural products is an immensely rich source of new pharmaceuticals [1]. These diverse natural compounds are secondary metabolites that are found to inhibit the growth of microbes in vitro [2]. The anti‐microbial activities of natural extracts in many instances can be attributed to the presence of terpenoid saponin [3‐5]. These terpenes are known to be active against a broad range of micro‐organisms, including gram‐positive, gram‐negative bacteria and fungi [6], and are widely reported in plant system having pharmaceutical potential. Among these medicinal herbs, Allium ampeloprasum (Family Amaryllidaceae Subfamily‐Allioideae) is a medicinal weed well known for its pharmaceutical potential. The wild plant is commonly known as (Broadleaf) Wild Leek . Allium ampeloprasum is a bulb growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees, insects. This species has the same medicinal virtues as garlic, but in a much milder and less effective form[7]. These virtues are as follows:- Garlic has a very long folk history of use in a wide range of ailments, particularly ailments such as ringworm, Candida and vaginitis where its fungicidal, antiseptic, tonic and parasiticidal properties have proved of benefit[8]. It is also said to have anticancer activity[8]. Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have a very beneficial effect on the body, especially the blood system and the heart. For example, demographic studies suggest that garlic is responsible for the low incidence of arteriosclerosis in areas of Italy and Spain where consumption of the bulb is heavy[9]. The bulb is said to be anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vasodilator[10-15]. The crushed bulb may be applied as a poultice to ease the pain of bites, stings etc[10-13]. Keeping in view the above reports the present research work was carried out for the bioassay directed isolation studies on the seeds of this plant. The isolated molecule was characterized and its antimicrobial activity is reported hereby for the first time.