Classes of secondary metabolites identified in three legume species

Abstract

-The objective of this study was to identify secondary metabolite classes of tropical kudzu, perennial soybean and archer legumes through identification by phytochemical screening and confirmation by infrared (IR), 1 H and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy of fractions obtained by organic solvents partition of crude extracts. These analyses allowed for proposing the presence of the following metabolite classes: reducing sugars, saccharides, saponins, cardiac glucosides, terpenes, coumarins, tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids. The tannins, saponins, alkaloids, organic acids and flavonoids had special consideration because they are toxic compounds and can affect the animal metabolism.

Characterization of a Urochloa humidicola methanol extract as a phytogenic additive for ruminants

“…To date, other secondary metabolites such as non-protein amino acids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, catechins, and saccharides have not been mentioned as promoters of ruminal fermentation by the modification of ruminal microbiota to promote increased animal performance. However, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and terpenoids bring about negative effects when present in animal diets (NEPOMUCENO et al, 2013).…”

“…Some metabolites have specific functions such as protection against herbaria and infection by pathogenic microorganisms (NEPOMUCENO et al, 2013) and have antimicrobial traits, thus allowing their application as ruminal fermentation inducers by the selective inhibition of ruminal microorganisms (KAMRA et al, 2006) and consequent mitigation of methane production (SANTRA et al, 2012).…”

A Review of Kudzu’s Use and Characteristics as Potential Feedstock

“…Data is limited on quantitative analysis of many secondary metabolites in kudzu leaf and vine. These secondary metabolites can act as anti-nutritional or anti-qualitative factors [42,43]. Legumes, such as kudzu, are beneficial in nitrogen fixation and improvement of animal diets.…”

Characterization and biological activity of condensed tannins from tropical forage legumes

“…bras., Brasília, v.53, n.9, p.1070-1077, Sept. 2018 DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2018000900011 provide a solution , as these plants can improve ruminant nutrition because of their great protein amount and digestibility, which improves grass digestibility in the rumen. Legumes can also serve as a food reserve for dry seasons or drought years, besides supplying nitrogen to the pasture ecosystem, thereby decreasing the dependence on expensive fertilizers, in comparison to grass monoculture (Nepomuceno et al, 2013). Many tropical legumes have low palatability to ruminants during the rainy season (Andersson et al, 2006).…”

“…Thus, the greatest effect of low palatability legumes often occurs in transition from rainy to dry seasons when environmental conditions for grass growth and quality limit ruminant intake. Acceptability of tropical forage legumes is often related to the presence of secondary metabolic compounds such as tannins, saponins, terpenes and lignin, compounds designated as "anti-nutritional factors" when they reduce the consumption or feed nutritional value (Nepomuceno et al, 2013). They interfere with digestibility, nutrient uptake or utilization, and, if ingested in high concentrations, can harm ruminant health (Lamy et al, 2011).…”