Green Extraction Techniques of Phytochemicals from Hedera helix L. and In Vitro Characterization of the Extracts

Hedera helix L. contains phytochemicals with good biological properties which are beneficial to human health and can be used to protect plants against different diseases. The aim of this research was to find the most suitable extraction method and the most favorable parameters for the extraction of different bioactive compounds from ivy leaves. Different extraction methods, namely microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional heating extraction (CHE), were used. The most suitable method for the extraction of saponins is MAE with an extraction efficiency of 58%, while for carbohydrates and polyphenols, the best results were achieved via UAE with an extraction efficiency of 61.7% and 63.5%, respectively. The antioxidant activity (AA) of the extracts was also determined. The highest AA was obtained via UAE (368.98 +/- 9.01 mu mol TR/gDM). Better results were achieved at 50( degrees)C for 10 min of extraction, using 80% ethanol in water as solvent. In order to evaluate their in vitro cytotoxicity, the extracts richest in bioactive compounds were tested on NCTC fibroblasts. Their influence on the DNA content of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages was also tested. Until 200 mu g/mL, the extracts obtained via UAE and MAE were cytocompatible with NCTC fibroblasts at 48 h of treatment. Summarizing the above, both MAE and UAE can be employed as green and efficient methods for producing extracts rich in bioactive compounds, exhibiting strong antioxidant properties and good noncytotoxic activity.

Automated summary

Hedera helix L. contains beneficial phytochemicals that can be extracted using different methods. This study found that microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was the most suitable for saponins, while ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was best for carbohydrates and polyphenols. The extracts obtained through UAE exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The temperature, time, and solvent type used in the extraction process all influenced the extraction efficiency.