Deciphering the Anticancer Potential of Avena sativa L. Derived Steroidal Saponins
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Saudi Digital Library
Abstract
Natural products, particularly from plants, are vital sources of structurally diverse and bioactive compounds in drug
discovery. The aerial parts of Avena sativa L. (oat), traditionally valued for nutrition, are increasingly recognized for their rich
phytochemistry. Among its constituents, steroidal saponins have drawn interest due to their antimicrobial, anti
inflammatory, and anticancer potential. However, the chemical diversity and therapeutic promise of A. sativa saponins
remain underexplored. In this study, four steroidal saponins were isolated from the aerial parts of A. sativa using C18
reversed-phase flash chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC, including one previously unreported compound (3).
Structures were elucidated using 1D/2D NMR and LC-HR-ESI-MS. The compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against
HL-60, MCF7, and A549 cancer cell lines. Compounds 1-2 showed significant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 11.00/9.55/22.40
and 3.50/8.46/11.55 μM, respectively. In contrast, compounds 3-4 exhibited no cytotoxicity. These findings highlight the
anticancer potential of specific A. sativa saponins and underscore the need for further exploration of oat-derived
metabolites.
Description
Chemistry and Biology of Oat derived Natural
Products
Among the cereal crops valued for both nutritional and medicinal
properties, A. sativa is distinguished by its diverse phytochemistry
and broad pharmacological potential. A member of the Poaceae
family, it is cultivated worldwide in temperate climates and is
recognized for its adaptability to various soils (Yokosuka et al., 2021).
While its seeds are widely consumed as a staple food in the form of
oatmeal, cereals, and baked goods, the aerial parts comprising
stems, leaves, and flowering panicles are an important yet
underexplored source of bioactive compounds (fig 3).
Morphologically, the plant is characterized by slender, erect culms,
elongated flat leaves with smooth sheaths, and open, nodding
panicles bearing paired or triplet spikelets. Nutritionally, oats are rich
in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to
their well-documented cholesterol-lowering effects and their
potential role in supporting anticancer activity (Singh et al., 2013; Ojo
et al., 2024). Comparative analyses reveal that the green aerial parts
of A. sativa contain substantially higher levels of certain minerals
than the seeds. For instance, potassium (K) is present at over three
times the concentration in green oats (1140 mg/100 g) compared to
seeds (355 mg/100 g), while calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are
over eightfold and fivefold higher, respectively. Similarly, iron (Fe)
levels in green oats (39 mg/100 g) far exceed those in seeds (5.8
mg/100 g), alongside higher concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu),
and manganese (Mn). Phosphorus (P) content is comparable
between seeds (342 mg/100 g) and green parts (330 mg/100 g)
(Singh et al., 2013). These nutrient-rich profiles, combined with a
variety of bioactive phytochemicals, underpin oats’ traditional use in
promoting cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and
improving skin health.
Keywords
NATURAL PRODUCTS AND DRUG DISCOVERY