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Chemical Composition and In Vitro Biological Activity of the Polar and Non-Polar Fractions Obtained from the Roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim

Summary

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) roots contain powerful antioxidant compounds that may help with inflammation, blood sugar control, and brain health. Researchers found that certain plant fractions were particularly rich in protective compounds like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. However, the study also discovered a concerning finding: these plant compounds protected cancer cells from chemotherapy drugs, suggesting people undergoing cancer treatment should be cautious about using this supplement.

Background

Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng, has been used in traditional medicine for immune-boosting, stress-reducing, and endurance-enhancing properties. The plant contains eleutherosides including lignans, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, coumarins, and flavonoids. Despite centuries of ethnomedicinal use, the chemical composition and biological activity of Polish-cultivated E. senticosus are unknown.

Objective

To determine the biological properties and phytochemical composition of fractions obtained from 75% methanol extract of E. senticosus roots. The study aimed to identify which fractions possess the strongest antioxidant and anti-enzymatic activities and characterize their chemical composition.

Results

The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 82.73 µg/mL (DPPH) and 9.92 µg/mL (ABTS). The EtOAc fraction exhibited strong anti-enzymatic effects against hyaluronidase (125.24 µg/mL) and α-amylase (97.34 µg/mL), and the hexane fraction showed potent anti-AChE activity (245.72 µg/mL). HPLC analysis revealed high content of chlorogenic acid derivatives and caffeic acid in the EtOAc fraction.

Conclusion

The ethyl acetate fraction of E. senticosus roots demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in inflammation- and metabolic-related diseases due to its polyphenol-rich composition. The fractions exhibited protective effects against doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in melanoma cells, raising safety concerns for cancer patients using this supplement. Further in vivo research is required to confirm the therapeutic applications.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:In Vitro Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40565083, DOI: 10.3390/ijms26125619
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