Saponin‐rich fractions from Codonopsis javanica root extract and their in vitro antioxidant and anti‐enzymatic efficacy

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the methanolic crude extract of Codonopsis javanica roots and its various fractions of increasing polarity obtained by silica gel column chromatography. The results showed that total saponin content (TSC) increased in ascending order of polarity of the solvents used: dichloromethane : methanol at a volume ratio of 90:10 (F1); 80:20 (F2); 70:30 (F3); and 60:40 (F4). One triterpenoid saponin, oleanolic acid (OA), was found in the tested extracts in the concentration range 0.061–0.705 mg/g extract. The order of TSC and OA content in these extracts was the same as for ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and anti-enzymatic activity, that is, F4 > F3 > F2 > F1 > CE. This study successfully found a saponin-rich C. javanica fraction with strong pharmacological effects. These findings also provide an interesting database for the use of C. javanica roots for gout and diabetes medications. Practical applications Column chromatography is one of the techniques that can be used to produce bioactive metabolite-rich fractions from crude plant extracts. Saponins (triterpenoid saponins) are known to display significant antioxidant, anti-arthritic, and antidiabetic activity. The results show that the saponin- and oleanolic acid-rich fraction is a potential antioxidant, anti-gout, and antidiabetic agent for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications in the future.