Optimised extraction conditions for maximising saponin yield and antioxidant properties of Hedera helix L.

Abstract

Hedera helix L. (H. helix) has been known as a potential medicinal plant in folk medicine for the treatment of different chronic diseases. Recently, several phytochemical compounds were extracted from the H. helix, especially the saponin group. This research aimed to optimise extraction conditions to obtain the highest saponin yield from the H. helix. Total saponin content (TSC), saponin extraction efficiency (SEE), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH/ABTS radical scavenging capacity (DRSC/ARSC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in the extract were determined. The results show that the highest TSC (52.57 mg escin equivalents (EE)/g dry weight (DW) and SEE (72.21%) was achieved from the H. helix. using conventional extraction (CE) with 80% methanol (v/v), 1:100 (w/v) sample to solvent ratio, 50°C extraction temperature, and 30 min extraction time. In this condition, TPC and TFC (4.35 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g DW and 0.22 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g DW, respectively) and DRSC, ARSC and FRAP (6.41, 15.35, and 8.26 mg trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW, respectively) were also identified. This study suggests the optimised extraction conditions to achieve the maximum TSC from the H. helix, which offers many benefits for functional food manufacturers.