Optimization of Ultrasonic‐Assisted Extraction of Total Saponins from Eclipta prostrasta L. Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Eclipta prostrasta L. is a traditional Chinese medicine herb, which is rich in saponins and has strong antiviral and antitumor activities. An ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) technique was developed for the fast extraction of saponins from E. prostrasta. The content of total saponins in E. prostrasta was determined using UV/vis spectrophotometric methods. Several influential parameters like ethanol concentration, extraction time, temperature, and liquid/solid ratio were investigated for the optimization of the extraction using single factor and Box-Behnken experimental designs. Extraction conditions were optimized for maximum yield of total saponins in E. prostrasta using response surface methodology (RSM) with 4 independent variables at 3 levels of each variable. Results showed that the optimization conditions for saponins extraction were: ethanol concentration 70%, extraction time 3 h, temperature 70 °C, and liquid/solid ratio 14:1. Corresponding saponins content was 2.096%. The mathematical model developed was found to fit well with the experimental data. Practical Application: Although there are wider applications of Eclipta prostrasta L. as a functional food or traditional medicine due to its various bioactivities, these properties are limited by its crude extracts. Total saponins are the main active ingredient of E. prostrasta. This research has optimized the extraction conditions of total saponins from E. prostrasta, which will provide useful reference information for further studies, and offer related industries with helpful guidance in practice.

Optimized Aqueous Extraction of Saponins from Bitter Melon for Production of a Saponin‐Enriched Bitter Melon Powder

“…For the ratio of water to bitter melon, Figure (B and C) predicts that it has a significant impact on the total saponin content of the extracts; the higher the water‐to‐sample ratio, the higher the extraction of saponins is predicted to be. This finding is in agreement with other studies on other plant materials (Hu and others , ; You and others ) and can be explained as follows. The higher concentration gradients achieved with the higher water‐to‐sample ratios help the saponins move from inside to the surface of the material and finally into the water phase and thus, less of the saponins remain trapped inside the bitter melon (Gertenbach ).…”

“…For the extraction of bioactive components from bitter melon, organic solvents such as methanol, acetone, and ethanol have often been used, with 70% ethanol and 30% water being one of the most effective solvents (Ji and others ; Hu and others ). However, even though ethanol is not as toxic to health as some of the other organic solvents, water is always preferable as an extraction solvent because it is nontoxic, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive compared with organic solvents (Vuong and others ).…”

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Patricia White cultivar) stem for maximizing saponin yield and antioxidant capacity

“…Increasing the ultrasonic temperature from 30 to 55 °C resulted in a rise in saponin recovery due to the increased solubility and diffusion rate of saponins at high temperature, while the sample‐to‐solvent ratio revealed a reverse trend (Figure ). A similar observation was found in the study of Hu et al () who reported that saponin yield of Eclipta prostrasta L. leaves increased gradually when the ultrasonic temperature increased from 40 to 70 °C. Heating provides energy and encourages molecules in the system to vibrate strongly, thus, breaking the bonds among compounds and cell membranes and liberating compounds into the solvent (Anuar, Adnan, Saat, Aziz, & Taha, ).…”

Identification and Analysis of the Constituents in an Aqueous Extract of Tricholoma Matsutake by HPLC Coupled with Diode Array Detection/Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

“…It may enhance the extraction efficiency due to disruption of cell walls, particle‐size reduction and enhancing mass transfer of the cell contents as a result of cavitation bubble collapse (Melecchi and others ; Wu and others ). The ultrasonic‐assisted extraction has been successfully used for the extraction of bioactive compounds from herbs (Hu and others ), plants (Ying and others ), and food (Fu and others ).…”