Effects of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction on the Yield and the Antioxidative Potential ofBergenia emeiensisTriterpenes

This study was the first designed to evaluate the extraction and antioxidant ability of triterpenes fromBergenia emeiensisrhizomes. The yield of triterpenes fromB. emeiensiswas mainly affected by the concentration of ethanol, followed by the extraction time, solvent to sample ratio, and the power of ultrasound. Thus, the response surface method was applied to investigate the interaction between the two factors and to optimize the extraction process. The optimal extraction conditions were 210 W, 75% ethanol, 40 min and 25 mL/g with a maximum yield of 229.37 +/- 7.16 mg UAE/g. Moreover, the antioxidant ability of triterpenes fromB. emeiensis(TBE) was evaluated by determining the scavenging capacity on free radicals and the protection on CHO cells andCaenorhabditis elegansagainst oxidative stress. The results showed the triterpenes could clear 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals well and had a strong reducing power. In addition, the survival of CHO cells was higher than that of the control group as a result of reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and promoting the activities of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, TBE could also enhance the survival ofC. elegansunder H(2)O(2)conditions. Therefore, triterpenes fromB. emeiensiscould be developed into a beneficial potential for antioxidants.