Extraction, purification, and evaluation of bioactivities of total triterpenoids from Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.f.) Leaves

The current research focused on enhancing the extraction and purification processes of triterpenoids found in persimmon leaves, as well as assessing their biological effects. The extraction yield of triterpenoids was 8.26%. Activated carbon was used to purify the extracts, resulting in an increase in the content of triterpenoids in the final product from 24.43% to 79.66%. The recovery yield of triterpenoids from the ethanol extract was 73.57%. Ethanol was recovered and reused as a solvent. The total triterpenoids exhibited cytotoxic activities against several cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of approximately 32.49–55.02 μg/mL, as well as anti-inflammatory activities (IC50 = 29.55 ± 1.67 μg/mL). The total extract and total triterpenoids demonstrated significant inhibition against α-glucosidase, having IC50 values of 0.18 ± 0.05 μg/mL and 2.12 ± 0.15 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, for antioxidant activity, the IC50 values of the total extract and total triterpenoids were 12.53 ± 0.20 and 13.92 ± 0.18 μg/mL, respectively. The triterpenoids showed higher inhibition of acetylcholinesterase compared with the total extract (IC50: 40.07 ± 2.54 and 112.22 ± 9.68 μg/mL, respectively). However, they did not show inhibitory activity against bacteria or fungi. In conclusion, information about the extraction, purification and biological activities of total triterpenoids from persimmon leaves was fully provided for the first time.