Optimization of Ganoderma lingzhi triterpene extraction method and its hypoglycemic activity.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry
• Phytochemistry and Extraction Technology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology

Background:

• Ganoderma lingzhi (lingzhi mushroom) is a medicinal fungus rich in bioactive compounds, including triterpenes.
• Triterpenes from G. lingzhi possess various pharmacological properties, notably hypoglycemic effects.
• Efficient and scalable extraction methods are crucial for unlocking the therapeutic potential of G. lingzhi triterpenes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the continuous reflux extraction process for triterpenes from Ganoderma lingzhi using orthogonal experimental design.
• To establish a foundation for the industrial-scale application of G. lingzhi triterpene extraction.
• To evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of the extracted triterpenes.

Main Methods:

• Orthogonal experimental design was employed to optimize extraction parameters.
• Continuous reflux extraction was performed using varying ethanol concentrations, extraction times, and solid-liquid ratios.
• Triterpene content was quantified using the vanillin-glacial acetic acid method.
• Hypoglycemic activity was assessed by measuring the inhibition rate of α-glucosidase activity.

Main Results:

• The optimal extraction conditions were determined as 80% ethanol concentration, 1.5 hours extraction time, and a 1:26 solid-liquid ratio.
• The optimized process achieved an average extraction yield of 2.412% with a relative standard deviation of 1.079%.
• Ganoderma lingzhi triterpenes exhibited significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, indicating notable hypoglycemic potential.

Conclusions:

• The optimized continuous reflux extraction process for Ganoderma lingzhi triterpenes is efficient, stable, and suitable for industrial application.
• The extracted triterpenes possess significant hypoglycemic activity, warranting further investigation.
• This study provides a valuable scientific reference for the large-scale extraction and utilization of bioactive components from Ganoderma lingzhi.