Solvent-based extraction optimisation for efficient ultrasonication-assisted ginsenoside recovery from <i>Panax quinquefolius</i> and <i>P. sikkimensis</i> cell suspension lines

Abstract

The present study aims at developing an extraction protocol for efficient ginsenoside recovery from cell suspensions of Panax quinquefolius and P. sikkimensis. Methanol (100%, 70% and 30%), water (40°C, 90°C), water-saturated butanol and butanol-saturated water were compared for their ultrasonication-assisted ginsenoside retrieval efficacy. HPLC and HP-TLC analysis revealed 100% methanol as the best solvent for maximum retrieval of Rb (diol) and Rg (triol) ginsenosides (P. quinquefolius: Rb: 0.189, Rg: 3.163 mg/g DW; P. sikkimensis: Rb: 0.245, Rg: 4.073 mg/g DW), followed by water (90°C). Methanolic solutions, especially 70%, proved to be significant retrievers of Rg1 (1.812 and 1.327 mg/g DW in P. quinquefolius and P. sikkimensis), with poor Re recovery (0.328 and 0.342 mg/g DW). Water-saturated butanol also led to significant ginsenoside extraction (72.4% of content extracted by methanol), selectively in P. quinquefolius, with a less than 50% of total content extracted by methanol, in P. sikkimensis.