Extraction of phytochemicals from young shoots of Pinus sylvestris L. and analysis of their selected biological properties

Young shoots of Pinus sylvestris L. are a good source of pro-healthy substances, mainly, flavonoids and ascorbic acid. In this paper, we presented research on optimisation of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phytochemicals from young pine shoots, as well as assessment of selected biological properties of obtained extract. Research showed that the yield of antioxidants extraction from young shoots of P. sylvestris L. was dependent on the applied extraction conditions. Based on the mathematical models, the optimal conditions of extraction process in which the maximum quantity of antioxidants is achieved from the pine shoots mass unit, i.e., the ethanol concentration to 61%, and process time equal to 1201 s. Moreover, bioactive components from young pine shoots suppressed the toxic effects of cadmium in relation to Saccharomyces cerevisiae model, which was manifested by a lower ability to produce ROS, lower activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as a reduction in growth inhibition, compared to cells treated only with cadmium. In addition, extract from young pine shoots showed inhibitor activity in relation to COX-1, COX-2 and acetylcholinesterase.