In vitro antiproliferative activity of triterpenoid saponins from leaves of Hedera helix L. grown in Romania.

In this paper, the extract from the leaves of Hedera helix L. was subjected to isolation and fractionation of saponins, in order to determine their in vitro antiproliferative activity. The ethanolic extract was obtained by maceration from H.helix L. leaves, grown in Romania, and the saponins were isolated and fractionated using column chromatography. The total saponin content in the extract and the isolated saponins was determined. Three saponins of interest, hederacoside C, α-hederin and hederagenin were identified by LC/MS analysis. Four selected fractions rich in these saponins tested in vitro, showed antiproliferative effects at a concentration of 200 µg/mL in a culture of human cervix carcinoma Hep-2 cells. The tested fractions were non-cytotoxic in the range of concentration 2–400 µg/mL on normal fibroblasts cells from NCTC cell line. Our results demonstrated the selected saponin fractions isolated from H.helix L. leaves may be considered as possible antitumor agents. [Display omitted] • The determination of saponin content in Hedera helix L. extracts was optimized. • Isolation, fractionation and identification of saponins was performed. • The samples cytotoxic effect was evaluated in vitro against normal fibroblasts NCTC cells and epithelial tumor Hep-2 cells. • Estimation of the antiproliferative activity of isolated and fractionated saponins was compared to that of standard saponins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]