Green extraction and RSM optimization of Peganum harmala shoots for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines

This study was aimed at optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from Peganum harmala shoots using response surface methodology (RSM). Ethanol concentration (73%), ultrasonic power (20%), and extraction time (12 min) were optimized to maximize antioxidant yield. The resulting fraction, enriched with β-sitosterol (19.08%) and phytol (16.51%) as determined by GC–MS, showed strong DPPH• (61.44%) and ABTS•+ (81.91%) radical scavenging capacities. In-vitro tests with LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages demonstrated significant suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) without any cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of P. harmala for combating inflammation and oxidative stress, offering potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

本研究旨在采用响应面法（response surface methodology, RSM）优化超声辅助提取法（ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE）从骆驼蓬（Peganum harmala）嫩枝中提取生物活性成分的工艺。本研究以最大化抗氧化成分得率为优化目标，对乙醇体积分数（73%）、超声功率（20%）及提取时间（12 min）进行了参数优化。经气相色谱-质谱联用仪（GC–MS）检测，所得提取物组分富含β-谷甾醇（19.08%）与植醇（16.51%），并展现出较强的1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼自由基（DPPH•，清除率61.44%）及2,2'-联氮-双(3-乙基苯并噻唑啉-6-磺酸)阳离子自由基（ABTS•+，清除率81.91%）清除能力。采用脂多糖（LPS）诱导的RAW 264.7巨噬细胞开展体外实验，结果显示该提取物可显著抑制促炎细胞因子（IL-1β、IL-6及TNF-α）的分泌，且无细胞毒性。本研究结果证实了骆驼蓬在对抗炎症与氧化应激方面的治疗潜力，可为其在制药及营养保健食品行业中的应用提供潜在可能。