Optimisation of wheatgrass extraction using composite weighting-response surface methodology with phytochemical...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Wheatgrass is recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
• Optimizing extraction methods is crucial for maximizing bioactive compound yield.
• Understanding the mechanisms of action is key to therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize ethanol-assisted ultrasonic extraction of wheatgrass.
• To evaluate the extraction process using multiple biological assays.
• To investigate the underlying pharmacological pathways of wheatgrass extract's bioactivity.

Main Methods:

• Ethanol-assisted ultrasonic extraction.
• Response surface methodology for process optimization.
• Assays for total phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging, and A549 cell growth inhibition.
• Network pharmacological analysis of bioactive compounds.

Main Results:

• Optimal extraction conditions determined: 39.56% ethanol, 40.11 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio, 42.21 min.
• Comprehensive score of 64.04% achieved under optimal conditions.
• Network pharmacology identified phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways.

Conclusions:

• Optimized extraction enhances the yield of bioactive compounds from wheatgrass.
• Wheatgrass extract demonstrates significant antioxidant and anti-non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) potential.
• The PI3K/AKT and EGFR signaling pathways are implicated in wheatgrass's therapeutic effects.