Study on the extraction process, chemical compositions, and anti-inflammatory activity of total saponins extract from Anemone raddeana Regel

Abstract

Anemone raddeana Regel. is mainly distributed in the northeast of China, and its rhizomes part is rich in saponins, which is commonly used for treatment of pain, inflammatory and rheumatic illnesses. However, there are few reports on saponins from Anemone raddeana Regel. This research had investigated the extraction process, chemical compositions, and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro of total saponins extract from Anemone raddeana Regel. The extraction process was optimized by the single factor experiment and response surface methodology, and the anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by determination of the nitric oxide content and cytophagocytic activity in LPS induced RAW 264.7 cells. The optimized extraction parameters for the total saponins extract were as follows: ethanol concentration 50 %, the ratio of liquid to material 43:1 mL/g, ultrasonic extraction time 70 min, and the yield of the total saponin was 1.74 % under these extraction conditions. Forty-three components were preliminarily separated and analyzed from the total saponins fraction by UPLC-QTOF-MS method. In addition, it was found that the total saponins extract could exert the anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the nitric oxide content and inhibiting the phagocytic activity. This study suggested that the total saponins extract from Anemone raddeana Regel. could exhibit the superior anti-inflammatory activity, and be developed as a green and natural anti-inflammatory drug.