Dosage of steroidal sapogenins (as sarsasapogenin)

The measurement of steroidal sapogenins , and more specifically sarsasapogenin ( CAS No. 126-19-2), is an essential analysis for the characterization and evaluation of plant extracts used in nutraceuticals and phytotherapy . These naturally occurring compounds, resulting from the degradation of saponins, have a complex steroidal structure and are recognized for their numerous potential biological properties: anti-inflammatory, hormonal, and adaptogenic activity.

Principle and importance of the dosage

Sarsasapogenin is a steroidal sapogenin found in several medicinal plants such as fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) , Smilax officinalis , and wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) . It results from the hydrolysis of steroidal saponins, which releases the aglycone portion of the molecule.

Measuring the concentration of these compounds allows us to:

• to quantify the content of active ingredients in plant extracts;
• to control the quality and standardization of nutraceutical ingredients;
• to assess the stability of formulations during the development of food supplements;
• and to ensure regulatory compliance of products placed on the market.

Due to their biological activity, sapogenins are often associated with beneficial effects on metabolism, tone or the hormonal system, making them key analytical markers in the control of plant raw materials.

Analytical methods used

The analysis of steroidal sapogenins is carried out mainly by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS) .

• HPLC -DAD (diode array detection) allows for fine separation of molecules and precise quantification of different sapogenic derivatives.
• LC -MS/MS offers increased sensitivity and allows the identification of sarsasapogenin even in trace amounts, particularly in complex plant matrices.

Depending on the expected profile, the sample may be subjected to a preliminary acid hydrolysis step to convert saponins into free sapogenins, thus facilitating detection and quantification.

Relevant matrices and industrial applications

The matrices analyzed are primarily:

• plant extracts ( fenugreek, wild yam, smilax, yucca, tribulus, etc.);
• plant powders and standardized ingredients for food supplements;
• nutraceutical formulations ( capsules, softgels, tablets, solutions).

This analysis is particularly useful in the context of:

• the development of active ingredients for health nutrition;
• of the verification of botanical authenticity and the conformity of the batches;
• control of natural extracts and finished products.

Laboratories specializing in phytochemistry and nutraceuticals frequently use this method to ensure batch consistency and maintenance of active ingredient concentration over time.

Technical characteristics and quality of results

The measurements are carried out according to rigorous protocols:

• Selective extraction of sapogenins under controlled conditions;
• Calibration with reference standards (pure sarsasapogenin);
• Analytical validation (linearity, repeatability, limit of detection, etc.);
• Interpretation of results expressed as a percentage or as mg/g of dry extract.

All analyses are carried out by partner laboratories selected for their expertise in the physico-chemistry of plant compounds , their ISO 17025 COFRAC compliance .

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab provides nutraceutical and plant -based product with a comprehensive solution for the analytical monitoring of bioactive ingredients. Its digital platform allows you to centralize your requests, track the progress of analyses, and receive your results with complete transparency.

Our scientific team will assist you in choosing the most suitable methods (HPLC or LC-MS) according to your formulation objectives, regulatory constraints and the nature of your extracts.

Further analyses recommended

For complete control of your plant extracts and active ingredients, YesWeLab recommends the following services:

• Total saponin determination
• Diosgenin dosage
• Trigonelline dosage
• Free theanine dosage
• Tryptamine dosage
• Total flavonoids assay

These additional analyses allow the sapogenin content to be correlated with other phytochemical markers for a complete assessment of the quality of the extracts.

Contact YesWeLab today to schedule your analysis or get a personalized quote. Our team will guide you to the laboratory best suited to your samples and analytical goals.