Efficient enrichment and characterization of triterpenoid saponins from Platycodon grandiflorus roots

Platycodon grandiflorum roots (PGR), a widely recognized edible herbal medicine, are extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory ailments. PGR are rich in bioactive compounds, particularly triterpenoid saponins, which possess significant pharmaceutical properties, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. Despite their recognized bioactivity, the purification and enrichment processes of triterpenoid saponins remain underexplored. This study aimed to optimize the extraction and purification of triterpenoid saponins from PGR to enhance resource utilization and minimize waste. Our method involved n-butanol extraction and macroporous adsorption resin, yielding four extracts with varying saponins contents. Qualitative analysis using LC-MS identified 8 triterpenoid saponins across the extracts. Further fragmentation analysis delineated characteristic ion patterns and cleavage pathways for these compounds. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that the separation and purification process effectively increased the triterpenoid saponins content, with the highest levels obtained through 30 % ethanol elution. Notably, the absence of Platycodin D in the 30 % ethanol eluate highlighted potential variations due to the origin, processing, and purification methods. These findings provide theoretical support for the development and utilization of triterpenoid saponins in PGR.