Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of triterpene saponins from defatted residue of yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge.) kernel and evaluation of its antioxidant activity

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of triterpene saponins from defatted residue of yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge.) kernel was optimized in this study. Compared with the conventional extraction methods ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and heat reflux extraction (HRE), MAE possessed higher efficiency for the extraction of triterpene saponins. The MAE conditions including extraction temperature, extraction duration, irradiation power, ethanol concentration, ratio of solvent to material and extraction cycles were studied and optimized. The optimum extraction parameters were as follows: 51 °C, 7 min, 900 W, 32 ml/g, 42% (v/v) ethanol and 3 cycles. Under the above conditions, the highest extraction yield of triterpene saponins reached 11.62 ± 0.37% of defatted kernel, which was much higher than those of conventional extraction methods. In addition, MAE extract of triterpene saponins exhibited substantial free radical-scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 0.782 mg/ml.Industrial relevanceLarge amounts of defatted kernels of yellow horn are discarded after oil extraction in biodiesel production. It is not only an environmental pollution but also a waste of bioresource. In fact, the residue still has potential for bioactive and medicinal use. Therefore, this study focused on the utilization of defatted kernels of yellow horn by optimizing MAE and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the resulting extract. MAE provided a better way to deal with defatted kernels of yellow horn as a utilization of waste material of the bioactive resource in food and pharmaceutical industry.