What is Polyphyllin

Polyphyllin I is a natural compound found in various plants, particularly in species of the genus Paris, which belongs to the family Melanthiaceae. These plants are commonly known as "true Paris" or "herb Paris." Polyphyllin I is classified as a steroidal saponin, which means it is a type of glycoside compound with a steroidal nucleus. Steroidal saponins like Polyphyllin I have been of interest in the field of pharmacology and traditional medicine due to their potential therapeutic properties.

Polyphyllin I and related compounds have been investigated for various biological activities, including their potential as anticancer agents. Research has suggested that Polyphyllin I may have cytotoxic (cell-killing) effects on certain cancer cells, making it a subject of interest in cancer research. Additionally, it has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

It's important to note that while there is some scientific interest in Polyphyllin I and related compounds, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Additionally, the safety and efficacy of using compounds like Polyphyllin I as a medical treatment are subjects of ongoing investigation. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using natural compounds or herbal remedies for medicinal purposes.

The synthesis of Paris saponin VII mainly occurs in leaves and is promoted by light intensity

Unraveling the specific organs and tissues involved in saponin synthesis, as well as the light regulatory mechanisms, is crucial for improving the quality of artificially cultivated medicinal materials of Paris plants. Paris saponin VII (PS VII), a high-value active ingredient, is found in almost all organs of Paris plant species. In this study, we focused on Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand. - Mzt. (PPY) and found that PS VII synthesis predominantly occurs in leaves and is increased by high light intensity. This intriguing discovery has unveiled the potential for manipulating non-traditional medicinal organ leaves to improve the quality of medicinal organ rhizomes. 

The analysis of the impact of organ differences on saponin concentration in P. polyphylla var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara (PPC), P. fargesii Franch. (PF), and PPY revealed consistency among the three Paris species and was mainly dominated by PS VII. Notably, the leaves and stems exhibited much higher proportions of PS VII than other organs, accounting for 80–90% of the four main saponins. Among the three Paris species, PPY had the highest concentration of PS VII and was selected for subsequent experiments. Further investigations on saponin subcellular localization, temporal variation, and stem wound fluid composition demonstrated that PS VII is synthesized in mesophyll cells, released into the intercellular space through exocytosis, and then transported to the rhizome via vascular tissue. These findings confirm the significant role of leaves in PS VII synthesis. Additionally, a ¹³C-glucose feeding to trace PS VII biosynthesis revealed that only PS VII in the leaves exhibited incorporation of the labeled carbon, despite conducting ¹³C-glucose feeding in leaves, stems, rhizomes, and roots. Thus, the leaves are indeed the primary organ for PS VII synthesis in PPY. Furthermore, compared with plants under 100 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, plants under 400 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ exhibited a higher PS VII concentration, particularly in the upper epidermal cells of the leaves. 

We propose that high light intensity promotes PS VII synthesis in leaves through three mechanisms: 

1. increased availability of substrates for saponin synthesis; 
2. protection of leaves from high light damage through enhanced saponin synthesis; and 
3. enhanced compartmentalization of saponins within the leaves, which in turn feedback regulates saponin synthesis.

Herb Paris, scientifically known as Paris quadrifolia, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Melanthiaceae family. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, and it is often found in temperate forests and woodland areas. Here are some key characteristics and information about the Herb Paris plant:

1. Appearance: Herb Paris is a striking plant with distinctive features:

   • Leaves: The plant has whorled, glossy, and lance-shaped leaves, typically with four to seven leaves arranged in a circle just above the stem's midpoint.
   • Flowers: The flowers are solitary and appear in late spring or early summer. They have four greenish-yellow petals and green sepals. These flowers are often inconspicuous due to their low position and green coloration.
   • Fruit: After flowering, Herb Paris produces a bright red berry, which is considered poisonous.

2. Habitat: This plant prefers moist, shaded, and woodland environments. It can be found in deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as in mixed woodland areas.

3. Toxicity: Herb Paris is known to contain toxic compounds, including glycosides and alkaloids, which can be harmful if ingested. All parts of the plant, especially the berries, should be considered toxic and should not be consumed.

4. Traditional Uses: Despite its toxicity, Herb Paris has had historical uses in traditional medicine, though they are rare and often associated with extreme caution. It has been used in folk medicine for various purposes, including as a remedy for wounds, skin ailments, and certain respiratory conditions. However, its use in modern herbal medicine is limited due to its toxicity.

5. Conservation Status: In some regions, Herb Paris populations have declined due to habitat destruction and over-collection. It may be protected by conservation laws in certain areas.

6. Symbolism: Herb Paris has been associated with symbolism and superstitions in various cultures. It has been considered a plant of good luck, a symbol of love, and even used in some rituals and folklore.

 

Anti-cancer effects of Polyphyllin I: An update in 5 years

Ye Tian  ¹ , Guan-Yu Gong  ² , Liang-Liang Ma  ³ , Zhuo-Qun Wang  ⁴ , Dan Song  ⁵ , Mei-Yun Fang  ⁶

Affiliations

• PMID: 31870841
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108936

Abstract

Chong-lou, the rhizome of Paris polyphylla, has been used in herbal regimes to treat parotitis, mastitis and certain malignant tumors for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Polyphyllin I (PPI) is the main bioactive component in Paris polyphylla. Recent studies of PPI in various types of cancers have shown that PPI may exert a broad spectrum of anti-tumor effects, including inducing cell cycle arrest, inducing cell apoptosis, inducing autophagy, anti-angiogenesis, sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy, and participating in the modulation of inflammatory and immune response. Along with the growing research interest in PPI as well as accumulation of experimental evidences, this review periodically summarized the recent advances in regard to PPI's anti-tumor propensities in various cancers and the underlying mechanisms for future prospective research.