Journal of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Variability of Saponins Concentration in Guishe Collected in Different Geographical Areas and Weather Conditions
Daniel Siller Juarez, María Liliana Flores López, J. Humberto Sánchez-Robles, Paul C. De la Cerda Suárez, Ana Verónica Rodríguez Charles, Lourdes Díaz Jiménez

Abstract
Lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla Torrey) is a plant traditionally used to obtain a natural fiber known as ixtle (or sisal). This activity represents the main source of income of the people which has living in some semi-arid regions of north of Mexico. The yield of ixtle in one lechuguilla plant is only 15 %, while 85% is a succulent by-product (named guishe) that has no use whatsoever. The guishe is mainly composed of saponins, which are very important chemical compounds in several applications; it is possible to take advantage of their properties as precursors of steroidal compounds in the production of plant hormones. This paper presents a study of the variability of saponins concentration in guishe extracts, which have been collected in different geographical areas and at different times of the year. It was confirmed that the concentration of this metabolite depends on the harvest area and on the weather conditions.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jcb.v2n2a5