Abstract
The Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) stem leaf is rich in flavonoids. However, because of a lack of research on the flavonoid extraction process and functional development of P. notoginseng stem leaf, these parts are discarded as agricultural wastes. Therefore, in this study, we intend to optimize the extraction process and develop the skin-whitening functions of P. notoginseng stem leaf extracts. The extraction process of the stem and leaf of P. notoginseng flavonoid (SLPF) is optimized based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD) and the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum extraction conditions of the SLPF are as follows: the extraction time, the ethanol concentration, the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) content and the liquid material ratio (v/w, which are 52 min, 48.7%, 1.9%, and 20:1, respectively. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the average total SLPF content is 2.10%. The antioxidant activity and anti-deposition of melanin of mouse B16 cells of P. notoginseng stem leaf extracts are studied. The results indicate that the EC50 values of reducing activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities, the superoxide anion removal ability, and the 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) free radical removal ability are 7.212, 2.893, 2.949, and 0.855 mg/mL, respectively. The extracts IC50 values of the tyrosinase and melanin synthesis are 0.045 and 0.046 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the optimal processing technology for the SLPF obtained in this study not only increases its utilization rate, but also decreases material costs. The extracts from the P. notoginseng stem leaf may be developed as food or beauty products.
Highlights
The total flavonoid content was determined after ultrasonic extraction
It can be seen that the surfactants improved the ethanol concentration
The total flavonoid content was determined after ultrasonic extraction at 80 ◦ C
Summary
H. Chen is a perennial plant belonging to the Araliaceae. It has underground roots that are dried for use as medicine, and was included in the Molecules 2018, 23, 2219; doi:10.3390/molecules23092219 www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules. The P. notoginseng stem leaf has a similar medicinal value as the root. It is reported in the Pents’ao Kang Mu that the stem leaf is suitable for the treatment of fractures, bruises, and bleeding. Modern studies have confirmed that the P. notoginseng stem leaf has a medicinal value similar to that of the root for the blood system, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, and the metabolic system [1]. Common products made from the P. notoginseng stem leaf include Qiye
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