An alleviative effect of Lonicerae japonicae flos water extract against liver fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

Lonicerae japonicae (L. japonicae) flos is a medical and food homology herb. This study investigated the phenolic acid and flavonoid contents in L. japonicae flos water extract solution (LJWES) and the preventive effects of LJWES against liver fibrogenesis via FL83B cells and rats. LJWES contains many polyphenols, such as chlorogenic acid, morin, and epicatechin. LJWES increased cell viability and decreased cytotoxicity in thioacetamide (TAA)-treated FL83B cells (75 mM) (p < .05). LJWES decreased (p < .05) gene expressions of Tnf-α, Tnfr1, Bax, and cytochrome c but upregulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl in TAA-treated cells; meanwhile, increased protein levels of P53, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved caspase 9 in TAA treated cells were downregulated (p < .05) by LJWES supplementation. In vivo, results indicated that TAA treatment increased serum liver damage indices (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and cytokines (interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-ß1) levels and impaired liver antioxidant capacities (increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value but decreased catalase/glutathione peroxidase activities) in rats (p < .05) while LJWES supplementation amended (p < .05) them. Liver fibrosis scores, collagen deposition, and alpha-smooth muscle actin deposition in TAA-treated rats were also decreased by LJWES supplementation (p < .05). To sum up, LJWES could be a potential hepatoprotective agent against liver fibrogenesis by enhancing antioxidant ability, downregulating inflammation in livers, and reducing apoptosis in hepatocytes.

Safety Evaluation and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei PS23.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain PS23 (PS23) exhibits some probiotic properties. In this study, a genomic analysis of PS23 revealed no genes related to virulence or antibiotic resistance. Moreover, ornithine decarboxylase activity was not detected in vitro. In addition, PS23 was sensitive to the tested antibiotics. Genotoxicity tests for PS23 including the Ames test and chromosomal aberrations in vitro using Chinese hamster ovary cells and micronuclei in immature erythrocytes of ICR mice were all negative. Moreover, following a 28-day study involving repeated oral dose toxicity tests (40, 400, and 4000 mg/kg equal 1.28 × 1010, 1.28 × 1011, and 1.28 × 1012 CFU/kg body weight, respectively) using an ICR mouse model, no adverse effects were observed from any doses. In addition, supplementation with live or heat-killed PS23 ameliorates DSS-induced colonic inflammation in mice. Our findings suggest that PS23 is safe and has anti-inflammatory effects and may therefore have therapeutic implications.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae Water Extract are regulated by the STAT/NF-κB pathway and HO-1 expression in Virus-infected RAW264.7 cells.

This study examined the effect of the Flos Lonicerae Japonicae water extract (FLJWE), chlorogenic acid, and luteolin on pseudorabies virus (PRV)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells and elucidated related molecular mechanisms. The results revealed that FLJWE and luteolin, but not chlorogenic acid, inhibited the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inflammatory cytokines in PRV-infected RAW 264.7 cells. We found that the FLJWE and luteolin suppressed nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 3 (STAT1 and STAT3, respectively). Moreover, the FLJWE significantly upregulated the expression of pNrf2 and its downstream target gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Our data indicated that FLJWE and luteolin reduced the expression of proinflammatory mediators and inflammatory cytokines, such as COX-2 and iNOS, through the suppression of the JAK/STAT1/3-dependent NF-κB pathway and the induction of HO-1 expression in PRV-infected RAW264.7 cells. The findings indicate that the FLJWE can be used as a potential antiviral agent.

Effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extracts and dry ice on the physicochemical stability of omega-3 fatty-acid-fortified surimi-like meat products.

BACKGROUND: Lipid peroxidation entails major quality degradation in omega-3 (ω-3) fatty-acid-fortified surimi-like meat products upon storage. Currently, the use of label-friendly alternatives to synthetic antioxidants is encouraged in the industry. Hence, we aimed to examine the applicability of the hurdle-technology concept, using an 80% (v/v) ethanol solution to obtain rosemary extracts (REs) containing substantial amounts of polyphenol, and dry ice (DI) which can create a cryogenic environment, on the physicochemical stabilities of ω-3 fatty-acid (FA)-fortified meat products after manufacturing and storage periods. The polyphenolic profiles of the REs were also investigated. RESULTS: Carnosol and rosmarinic acid are major phenolic components in REs. Furthermore, DI addition during the chopping procedure increased (P < 0.05) whiteness values and hardness of products, while total ω-3 and ω-6 FAs were relatively well preserved (P < 0.05) in products with flaxseed oil premixed with RE. During 14-day storage at 4 °C, combined treatment with RE and DI decreased (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels and the centrifugation loss of products. Single or combined treatment with RE and/or DI decreased (P < 0.05) TBARS levels in products after 60 days of storage at -20 °C. CONCLUSION: Due to the antioxidant-polyphenol profile of REs and a possible oxygen exclusion of DI treatment under atmospheric pressure during food manufacturing, application of the hurdle-technology concept, using treatment with both RE and DI, can reduce lipid peroxidation and maintain a greater water-holding capacity of ω-3 FA-fortified meat products upon storage. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lychee flower extract inhibits proliferation and viral replication of HSV-1-infected corneal epithelial cells.

PURPOSE: Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) is capable of causing a wide array of human ocular diseases. Herpes simplex virus keratitis (HSK)-induced cytopathogenicity together with the chronic immune-inflammatory reaction can trigger stromal scarring, thinning, and neovascularization which may lead to permanent vision impairment. Lychee flower extract (LFE) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the mechanism of the Statens Seruminstitut rabbit corneal (SIRC) epithelial cells infected by HSV-1 and examined the antiviral capabilities of LFE. METHODS: SIRC cells were pretreated with different concentrations of LFE (0.2, 0.1, and 0.05 µg/ml) and then infected with 1 MOI of HSV-1 for 24 h. The cell viability or morphology was evaluated in this study. In addition, the supernatants and cell extracts were collected for Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK), plaque assay, and western blotting. RESULTS: We found that HSV-1-induced cell proliferation is regulated through inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p70s6k phosphorylation in response to the LFE. In addition, the LFE enhanced the autophagy protein expression (Beclin-1 and light chain 3, LC3) and decreased the viral titers. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed the antiviral capabilities and the protective effects of LFE. Taken together, our data indicate that LFE has potential as an anti-HSK (herpes simplex keratitis) for HSV-1 infection.

Evaluation of Appropriate Conditions for Efficient Simultaneous Determination of US EPA and EU Priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Various Food Categories and Assessment of Their Consumption Risk.

The QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) conditions were optimized for efficient determination of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and European Union (EU) priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for the categories of grains, tuber & starchy vegetables, soy beans and products, fish & seafood, and poultry & meat, including raw materials and their corresponding products. The PAHs were analyzed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with temperature-controlled fluorescence detection and gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The established conditions had good accuracy, repeatability, and precision. Environmental pollution and processing methods influence the level of PAHs in samples. The low molecular weight PAHs were present in all raw materials, and processing increased high and low molecular weight PAHs in the products. The excess cancer risk for consumption of PAHs in cooked samples was mostly acceptable; a small number of samples might be of slight concern in certain age groups.

Hepatic-Modulatory Effects of Chicken Liver Hydrolysate-Based Supplement on Autophagy Regulation against Liver Fibrogenesis.

Chicken-liver hydrolysates (CLHs) have been characterized as performing several biofunctions by our team. This study aimed to investigate if a CLH-based supplement (GBHP01TM) can ameliorate liver fibrogenesis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) treatment. Our results showed that the TAA treatment caused lower body weight gains and enlarged livers, as well as higher serum ALT, AST, and ALP levels (p < 0.05). This liver inflammatory and fibrotic evidence was ameliorated (p < 0.05) by supplementing with GBHP01TM; this partially resulted from its antioxidant abilities, including decreased TBARS values but increased TEAC levels, reduced GSH contents and catalase/GPx activities in the livers of TAA-treated rats (p < 0.05). Additionally, fewer nodules were observed in the appearance of the livers of TAA-treated rats after supplementing with GBHP01TM. Similarly, supplementing GBHP01TM decreased fibrotic scars and the fibrotic score in the livers of TAA-treated rats (p < 0.05). Moreover, the increased hepatic IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α levels after TAA treatment were also alleviated by supplementing with GBHP01TM (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, GBHP01TM could decrease the ratio of LC3B II/LC3B I, but upregulated P62 and Rab7 in the livers of TAA-treated rats (p < 0.05). Taking these results together, the CLH-based supplement (GBHP01TM) can be characterized as a natural agent against liver fibrogenesis.

Assessment of various conditions for the simultaneous determination of US EPA and EU priority PAHs in coffee samples and their PAHs consumption risk.

The optimal conditions for simultaneous determination of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and European Union (EU) priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coffee beans and coffee brews were developed. The QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) technology combined with high performance liquid chromatography - temperature-controlled fluorescence detection and gas chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry were used in the investigation. PAHs could be determined in commercially available green coffee beans (possibly caused by environmental contamination), and their PAHs content increased with the degree of roasting. Coffee beans brewed with the coffee machine released more PAHs into their brews than those brewed with the drip bag. The PAHs consumption risk of the brewed coffee samples was not high due to their low PAH level. Nevertheless, the methods of roasting and brewing and the amount of drinking could still be considered to reduce the intake of PAHs.

Hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice on high- fat/cholesterol-dietary hamsters.

Noni juice (NJ) is rich in phytochemicals and polysaccharides. Lipid-lowering and antioxidative effects of NJ were investigated in this study. Fifty male hamsters were assigned randomly to one of the following groups: (1) normal diet and distilled water (LFCD); (2) high-fat/cholesterol diet and distilled water (HFCD); (3) HFCD and 3 ml NJ (including 0.20 g solids)/kg BW (NJ_L); (4) HFCD and 6 mL NJ (including 0.40 g solids)/kg BW (NJ_M); (5) HFCD and 9 ml NJ (including 0.60 g solids)/kg BW (NJ_H) for six weeks. NJ supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol, atherogenic index, malondialdehyde levels, and hepatic lipids in HFCD hamsters, whereas serum trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, glutathione, and fecal lipids in HFCD hamsters were increased (p < 0.05) by NJ supplementation. Although NJ supplementation downregulated (p < 0.05) sterol regulator element binding protein-1c in HFCD hamsters, it upregulated (p < 0.05) hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha and uncoupling protein 2 gene expressions in HFCD hamsters. Results demonstrate that NJ promotes cardioprotection in a high-fat/cholesterol diet.

Optimization of QuEChERS and high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection conditions to assess the impact of preparation procedures on EU priority PAHs in coffee samples and their PAHs consumption risk.

The good performance conditions for determination of EU priority PAHs in coffee samples were established to evaluate the effects of roasting degree on the PAHs in coffee beans and the brewing methods on the PAHs transfer from coffee beans to their brews. The consumption risk of the PAHs in coffee products was also assessed. The PAHs levels of the roasted coffee beans were in the order: 923.65 ng/g (dark roast) > 132.20 ng/g (medium roast) > 69.28 ng/g (light roast). Compared with general brewing with the drip bag (PAHs content, 0.30-0.62 ng/mL in coffee brews), the coffee machine brewing (set at 4 bar) induced higher PAHs release into coffee brews (PAHs content, 0.36-2.14 ng/g). The PAHs amounts of the commercial brewed and canned coffee products were 0.32-1.23 ng/g and 0.16-0.46 ng/g, respectively. The consumption risk of the PAHs in the coffee brews and products is a low level of concern.

Establishment of an appropriate method for determining multiple heterocyclic amines in soy products processed with various methods.

A method using UPLC-MS/MS and a core-shell C18 column was developed to simultaneously determine 21 heterocyclic amines (HAs) in 15 min. Appropriate QuEChERS conditions were also established to conveniently extract HAs from soy products cooked with various methods. These conditions presented good analytical performance; limit of detection, limit of quantification, recovery (%), repeatability (coefficient of variation (CV) %) and intermediate precision (CV%) were 0.008 âˆ¼ 0.150 ng/g, 0.025 âˆ¼ 0.500 ng/g, 62 âˆ¼ 91%, ≤ 28% and ≤ 23% for tofu sample, and 0.003 âˆ¼ 0.100 ng/g, 0.010 âˆ¼ 0.350 ng/g, 64 âˆ¼ 93%, ≤ 19% and ≤ 20% for soy milk sample, respectively. HAs contents in the samples increased with cooking temperature and time. The tofu samples cooked by frying had much higher HAs content than those cooked by boiling and roasting. Norharman and Harman mainly contributed HAs content in all samples. For the general population in Taiwan, the highest estimated level of HAs consumed from the samples is 373.67 ng/day.

Establishment of optimal QuEChERS conditions of various food matrices for rapid measurement of heterocyclic amines in various foods.

The optimal conditions for QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) with superior performance were established to rapidly extract 21 heterocyclic amines (HAs) from 9 categories of food matrices including meat and poultry, eggs, soy beans and products, composite foods, fish and seafood, grains, beer, dairy foods, and coffee. The QuEChERS conditions and the developed ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis conditions were then applied to the determination of HAs in popular food products sold in the Taiwan market. The conditions comply with the food chemical analysis specifications of Taiwan Food and Drug Administration. Coffee products and braised products that require a longer cooking time contained relatively high content of HAs (mainly Harman and Norharman), and their consumption is relatively high resulting in relatively high intake of HAs from these products. The dietary intake of HAs in plant-based protein food products should also be of concern.

Effects of manufacturing procedures and preparation conditions on European Union priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Oolong tea samples.

The study evaluated the changes in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of Oolong tea samples at each heat treatment stage of the manufacturing process, different post-treatment methods and different brewing conditions. The content of PAHs in the tea leaves was significantly increased during stir fixation (280 °C for 8 min) stage of the manufacturing process. In the subsequent heat treatment process, the PAHs content did not change much until the Oolong tea product (primary) was further roasted. The level of PAHs increased with the roasting time. Charcoal roasting resulted in higher PAHs content in the product compared with electric roasting. Higher brewing temperature caused higher level of PAHs released into the tea infusion. The level of released PAHs decreased with the increase of the number of tea brewing (the total released PAHs was about 4%). The risk assessment results for PAHs in the tea infusions showed a low level of health concern.

Evaluation of optimal QuEChERS conditions of various food matrices for rapid determination of EU priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in various foods.

Optimal QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) conditions with good accuracy, repeatability and precision were established to rapidly extract the European Union (EU) priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from various food matrices (Category: Poultry and Meat, Fish and seafood, Grains, Soy beans and products, Root vegetables and Coffee). The QuEChERS conditions combined with the established high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection conditions were used to rapidly determine the PAHs in 19 popular cooked foods in Taiwan and their corresponding original materials. These conditions also meet the EU and Taiwan Food and Drug Administration specifications. Charcoal grilled, gas stove grilled and smoked foods had higher PAHs contents, while fried and electric oven-baked/baked foods had lower PAHs contents. In addition to the effects of cooking methods, the contamination of original materials by PAHs in the environment should also have an important impact on the contents of PAHs in these cooked foods.

Glycine tomentella Hayata inhibits IL-1ß and IL-6 production, inhibits MMP-9 activity, and enhances RAW264.7 macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effects of Glycine tomentella Hayata (GTH), a traditional herbal medicine for treatment of rheumatic diseases on the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines and on the clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages. METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of ethanol extract of GTH. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and transglutaminase 2 (TG2) were assayed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were assayed by gelatin zymography. For detecting uptake of apoptotic cells, RAW264.7 cells were cultured with carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA)-stained apoptotic cells and assayed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The major components of GTH analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatogram were daidzein (42.5%), epicatechin (28.8%), and naringin (9.4%).GTH treatment inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and MMP-9 but did not affect the expression of TNF-α and iNOS. GTH significantly enhanced the expression of TG2 and the clearance of apoptotic cells by RAW264.7 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: GTH inhibits proinflammatory cytokine secretion and MMP-9 activity, enhances apoptotic cell uptake and up-regulates TG2 expression. Our data show that GTH might have beneficial effects on rheumatic diseases.

Comparison and establishment of appropriate methods to determine EU priority PAHs in charcoal-grilled chicken drumsticks with different treatments and their dietary risk assessments.

Three major polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) analytical methods, gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode-array detector (HPLC-PDA) and HPLC-fluorescence detector (FLD) were compared to analyze the European Union (EU) priority PAHs. In addition to the highest sensitivity, HPLC-FLD could be developed to rapidly determine the PAHs. A QuEChERS method was also established to rapidly extract the PAHs from chicken drumsticks. The method detection limits (0.004-0.25 ng/g), method quantification limits (0.01-0.75 ng/g), recoveries (67-114%), and coefficients of variations for intra- (1-15%) and inter- (1-21%) assays for the determination of the PAHs were in compliance with the EU and Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) requirements. The PAHs contents in charcoal-grilled chicken drumsticks (without skin, with skin, and skin removal after processing) at different processing times were also determined by the developed methods. Although the risk assessment results for all samples showed a low level of concern, the presence of skin and long-term grilling had a greater impact on PAHs levels and dietary risks. Therefore, excessive processing should be avoided, and the skin of chicken drumsticks should be removed before and after charcoal-grilling to reduce the risk of PAHs intake.

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) flower proanthocyanidin fraction exhibited protective efficacy to suppress nickel-induced expression for vascular endothelial growth factor in HepG2 cells.

The protective efficacy of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) flower proanthocyanidin fraction (LFPF) composed of (-)-epicatechin and proanthocyanidin A2 against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) generation induced by nickel (Ni) in hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cells was studied. VEGF is an angiogenic inducer, which promotes tumor angiogenesis, leading to rapid tumor growth and metastasis. VEGF could be substantially induced in the Ni-mediated Hep G2 cells. Through LFPF treatment, the Ni-induced VEGF generation could be suppressed significantly. The inhibition of HIF-1α expression by blocking phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, and the suppression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT 3), and Raf-1 proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (RAF1)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK1/2)/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathways are important molecular mechanisms for the LFPF action. LFPF should probably reduce the risk of liver cancer in Ni-contaminated environments by inhibiting VEGF expression. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: LFPF mainly contained (-)-epicatechin and proanthocyanidin A2. Our results demonstrated that LFPF considerably suppressed the Ni-induced VEGF expression through inhibition of JAK2/STAT 3 and RAF1/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 pathways and prohibited HIF-1α expression through blocking PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Litchi flowers might have the potential to diminish the liver cancer risk in a Ni-contaminated environment through suitable treatment.

Phenolic compositions and antioxidant properties of leaves of eight persimmon varieties harvested in different periods.

The compositions and contents of antioxidant components and antioxidant attributes (scavenging DPPH radicals, TEAC, ferric reducing power and inhibiting Cu2+-induced human LDL oxidation) for the leaves of eight persimmon varieties harvested from Sep. to Nov. were determined. Harvest time and variety were important factors affecting the compositions and contents of phenolic compounds in persimmon leaves; moreover, phenolic contents (polyphenol, flavonoid, condensed tannin and phenolic acid) of the leaves were significantly correlated with their antioxidant activities. For each variety, the leaves harvested in months with higher temperature, solar radiation and sunshine duration had higher phenolic contents contributing to better antioxidant properties (ranking: Sep. > Oct. > Nov.). In addition, the compositions and contents of phenolic components and antioxidant capacities for the leaves from various persimmon varieties were also different. The leaves of persimmon varieties belonging to pollination constant and astringent (PCA) had higher phenolic contents and also presented better antioxidant effects.

Toxicity Studies of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128TM Isolated from Spontaneously Fermented Mustard Greens.

: Probiotics are extensively available to consumers; however, the use of probiotics may not always be safe, and there are few reports on their side effects, including those of Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus plantarum strain PS128TM isolated from spontaneously fermented mustard greens in Taiwan was recently reported to exhibit probiotic properties. In this study, we aimed to assess the safety of strain PS128TM for use in humans via examining genotoxic and oral toxic effects using in vitro and in vivo testing. Five strains of Salmonella typhimurium were evaluated by the Ames test; no signs of increased reverse mutation were observed following exposure to PS128TM. Additional testing of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells exposed to PS128TM revealed that the incidence of chromosomal aberrations in CHO cells had not increased. PS128TM treatment also did not affect the proportion of immature to total erythrocytes or the number of micronuclei in the immature erythrocytes of ICR mice. Moreover, following a 28 day study involving repeated oral dose toxicity tests (2400, 400, and 40 mg/kg body weight) utilizing an ICR mouse model, no observable adverse level (NOAEL) was found at any of the doses. PS128TM was sensitive to antibiotics; however, genes related to the production of biogenic amines were absent. While further research is required, these toxicological assessments suggest that PS128TM could be safe for human consumption.

Determination of steroidal saponins in different organs of yam (Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto).

Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are perennial trailing rhizome plants. Steroidal saponins, furostanol and spirostanol glycosides are the marked functional compounds in yams. In this investigation, a C18 solid phase extraction method was developed for yam saponins purification. The contents of saponins in various organs of yam (Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto) were also determined. Results showed that the recoveries of yam saponins extracted by the developed method were about 99.48-100.08% when the saponins (each saponin weighed 0.20, 0.50 and 1.00mg) passing through the C18 cartridge. The extractive method could efficiently reduce the interferences from impurities in yam saponin extracts prior to HPLC analysis. The recoveries of added saponins in different yam organs were 98.34-99.92% for tuber flesh, 95.98-98.89% for tuber cortex, 97.89-99.44% for rhizophor, 93.82-98.01% for leaf and 93.87-97.65% for vine, respectively. The yam tuber cortex had the highest amount of saponins (582.53µg/gdw), which was higher than that existed in the tuber flesh (227.86µg/gdw) about 2.55 times. The contents of saponins in the rhizophor, leaf and vine of yam were 29.39, 24.41 and 23.96µg/gdw, respectively.