Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Saponins from Hedera helix L. and an In Vitro Biocompatibility Evaluation of the Extracts

The aim of this study was to establish the best ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) conditions of saponins from Hedera helix L. leaves and to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of the extracts richest in saponins. Different parameters, such as extraction time, temperature, ultrasound power, solvent to plant material ratio, and solvent concentration, were investigated. The most efficient extraction conditions were a temperature of 50 degrees C, an ultrasound amplitude of 40%, an extraction time of 60 min, a plant material to solvent ratio of 1:20 (w:v), and 80% ethanol as solvent. In vitro cytotoxicity of the extracts richest in saponins and their influence on the DNA content of L929 (NCTC) fibroblasts were tested. Until 200 mu g/mL, the studied extracts were cytocompatible with L929 fibroblast cell lines at 48 h of treatment. These in vitro cell culture results provide useful information for further applications of Hedera helix extracts in a pharmaceutical field.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for ultrasound assisted extraction of saponins from Hedera helix L. leaves and evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of the richest saponin extracts. The study found that the best extraction conditions were a temperature of 50 degrees C, an ultrasound amplitude of 40%, an extraction time of 60 min, a plant material to solvent ratio of 1:20 (w:v), and 80% ethanol as solvent. The extracts were cytocompatible with L929 fibroblast cell lines at concentrations below 200 μg/mL after 48 h of treatment.