Optimization of extraction process and antioxidant activities of saponins from Camelliafascicularis leaves

Saponins from Camelliafascicularis leaves, which ultrasonic-assisted extraction process parameters were optimized with Box–Behnken design and antioxidant activities were assessed, were reported in this study. The highest yield of crude saponins was up to 3.68% when the optimal extraction conditions were ratio of solvent to solid of 52.1 mL/g, methanol concentration of 71.1%, and ultrasonic temperature of 50.3 °C. The crude saponins from C.fascicularis leaves were purified using HP-20 macroporous resin with methanol and three fractions (SCF-1, SCF-2 and SCF-3) were obtained. Subsequently, the in vitro scavenging activity assay showed that the fractions proved significant antioxidant capacities as dose-dependent manner on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical and azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS). SCF-1 possessed significantly higher antioxidant activity than that SCF-2 and SCF-3. Overall, ultrasonic-assisted extraction could be effectively used to extract C.fascicularis leaves saponins, which possessed potential antioxidant capabilities and is expected to be developed as food materials.