Phytochemical composition and toxicity of an antioxidant extract from Pimpinella brachycarpa (Kom.) Nakai

Pimpinella brachycarpa (Kom.) Nakai (PB) is one of the most favored edible greens grown in Asian regions. In our previously study, we found PB extract had antioxidant effects in vitro. In the present study, an EtOAc soluble extract (PBet) was isolated from PB. Then the antioxidant properties at cellular level, phytochemical composition and toxicity of PBet were examined. The results indicated that PBet (0.5–2 mg/mL) could protect Bel-7404 cells from H2O2 induced cell damage through scavenging of intracellular ROS. Moreover, myristic acid, 24ζ-methyl-5α-lanosta-25-one, β-sitosterol, pregnenolone and β-daucosterol were firstly isolated from PB. In addition, PBet (0.75 g/kg BW, ig) had no acute toxicity and it (0.03–0.12 g/kg BW, ig, 7 d) could not influence the rate of bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes micronucleus and chromosome aberration in KM mice. All above findings suggested that PBet could be considered as a safe functional food with antioxidant activities.

► An EtOAc soluble extract was isolated from Pimpinella brachycarpa (Kom.) Nakai.
► EtOAc soluble extract had antioxidant effect through scavenging of intracellular ROS.
► Moreover, five chemicals were firstly isolated from PBet.
► EtOAc soluble extract had no acute toxicity or genotoxicity.