Juniperus Sabina L. As a Source of Podophyllotoxins: Extraction Optimization and Anticholinesterase Activities

The study investigated Juniperus sabina L. as a source of podophyllotoxins, focusing on optimizing extraction processes and evaluating its biological activities. Using the Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology, the optimal extraction conditions were determined to be a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:40, 90% methanol, and 7 minutes of ultrasonic time, achieving a podophyllotoxin extraction rate of 7.51 mg/g DW, the highest reported for Juniperus species in China. The needle extract demonstrated significant anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity (520.15 mg GALE/g extract), suggesting its potential medicinal value due to the high levels of podophyllotoxin and deoxypodophyllotoxin.