Salt-promoted homogenization-ultrasonic synergistic extraction of saponins from fresh leaves of Acanthopanax trifoliatus: process optimization, composition analysis and anti-inflammatory activity

SHAUE method rapidly extracts saponins via synergistic mechanical, osmotic, and cavitation effects. • Homogenization disrupts cell walls, increasing surface area for saponin release. • Salt-assisted and ultrasound steps enhance mass transfer and extraction efficiency. • D-101 macroporous resin realizes effective saponin purification, yielding high-purity products. A salt-enhanced homogenization-assisted ultrasonic extraction (SHAUE) method was developed for the efficient extraction of total saponins from Acanthopanax trifoliatus (ATS). The introduction of NaCl effectively modulated solvent polarity and disrupted saponin–matrix interactions, while homogenization and ultrasonic cavitation synergistically enhanced cell wall rupture and mass transfer. Under optimal conditions, the extraction yield of total saponins reached 3.29% with a purity of 22.50%, both of which were significantly higher than those obtained by conventional heat-reflux extraction (HRE). For further purification, D-101 macroporous resin was selected owing to its favorable adsorption–desorption behavior toward saponins, resulting in a marked increase in saponin purity from 22.50% to 62.57%. The main components of the purified saponins (PATS) were characterized and identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). In vitro bioactivity assays revealed that the PATS exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. This study provides a green and efficient approach for the extraction of saponins, and offers a theoretical basis and technical support for the further development and application of saponins in functional foods and anti-inflammatory products Download: Download high-res image (398KB) Download: Download full-size image