Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction Saponins from Sapindus mukorossi Pericarps and an Evaluation of Their Inhibitory Activity on Xanthine Oxidase

Abstract EN

A microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was applied to separate saponins from Sapindus mukorossi pericarps.

The most important factors of the six extraction parameters were selected using Plackett–Burman designs; therefore, the further extraction procedure was optimized using the Box–Behnken designs; meanwhile, the optimum processing parameters and well-pleasing saponins extraction rate were inferred.

The final operation conditions were the ethanol concentration of 40%, soaking time of 3 h, particle size of 80–100 meshes, extraction time of 13 min, solvent-solid ratio of 19 mL/g, and microwave power of 425 W.

Based on the optimal extraction parameters, the extraction rate of the saponins by means of MAE technique reached 280.55 ± 6.81 mg/g, which exceeds yields acquired using conventional manners.

Saponins from S.

mukorossi have obvious xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties in vitro compared with allopurinol.

The saponins displayed a type of competitive inhibition of xanthine oxidase.

In conclusion, a MAE technique in association with a response surface design provides an efficient extraction tactics, which could sufficiently isolate saponins from S.

mukorossi pericarps; further, this technique could be applied to the dissociation of other bioactive substances from plant sources.

In addition, the saponins may be a promising alternative to conventional medicine to treat gout and other inflammation-associated disorders to mitigate the side effects of traditional drugs.