Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of triterpenes from Bergenia emeiensis leaves and inhibition effect on the growth of Hela cells

Abstract

Bergenia emeiensis (B. emeiensis) was a functional food among China folk due to high content of bergenin. However, other bioactivity-components were seldom studied. This work aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of triterpenes from B. emeiensis using response surface methodology (RSM) and to investigate the effect of triterpenes extract from B. emeiensis (TEBE) on Hela cells. A four-factor-three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was successfully employed to research extracting parameters: concentration of ethanol (X1), extraction time (X2), extraction temperature (X3) and solvent to sample ratio (X4). The antioxidant assay results showed the TEBE could well scavenge DPPH radicals with an ascending reducing power. In addition, TEBE strongly inhibited the proliferation of Hela cells and induced cell apoptosis via mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by lowering mitochondrial membrane potential and promoting activities of caspase-9 and caspase-3. This study indicated TEBE possessed strong antioxidant and anti-tumor abilities which might contribute to future pharmacological activities research and industrial applications.