Isolation and comparative analysis of triterpene saponins in different Anabasis setifera ecotypes using chromatographic techniques

Abstract Background Anabasis setifera Moq., a perennial halophyte from the Chenopodiaceae family, is an important source of bioactive saponins, which have various ecological, pharmacological, and industrial applications. This study aimed to isolate, elucidate and compare the saponin composition of the aerial parts and seeds from six ecotypes of A. setifera collected from different regions of Iran. We performed quantitative analyses of total and individual saponins using three complementary techniques: colorimetric assays, HPTLC, and HPLC. Results Two triterpenoid saponins (1, 2) were purified using several chromatographic procedures and identified via HRMS and NMR spectroscopic analyses, with saponin 1 identified as a previously undescribed triterpenoid saponin representing a new compound whose structure was elucidated for the first time. Saponin 2 was identified as the known triterpene saponin chikusetsusaponin IVa, which has previously been reported from other plant species. Both saponins were identified for the first time in A. setifera . The results of comparative analysis of these two compounds among the ecotypes and between plant organs, revealed significant differences. The Kandehsorkheh ecotype showed the highest total saponin content in both aerial parts and seeds, while the Kashan ecotype exhibited the lowest levels. Statistical analysis confirmed that these variations were highly significant ( p < 0.001) across ecotypes and plant organs. Notably, seeds generally contained higher amounts of saponins than aerial tissues, suggesting a potential role in chemical defense and energy storage. Conclusion The observed variation among ecotypes may be associated with their geographical origins and environmental conditions; however, genetic and environmental effects were not experimentally separated in this study. These findings highlight variation in the saponin profiles of A. setifera among ecotypes and plant organs and highlight the importance of using multiple analytical approaches for comprehensive saponin profiling in medicinal halophytes. A limitation of this study is that the analysis was based on six ecotypes sampled during a single harvest season.