Evaluation and differentiation of the <it>Betulaceae</it> birch bark species and their bioactive triterpene content using analytical FT-vibrational spectroscopy and GC-MS

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Aiming to obtain the highest triterpene content in the extraction products, nine bark samples from the forest abundant flora of Apuseni Mountains, Romania were Raman spectroscopically evaluated. Three different natural extracts from <it>Betula pendula Roth</it> birch bark have been obtained and characterized using Fourier transform vibrational spectra.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>This study shows that principal components of the birch tree extract can be rapidly recognized and differentiated based on their vibrational fingerprint band shape and intensity. The vibrational spectroscopy results are supported by the GC-MS data. Based on IR and Raman analysis, one can conclude that all the extracts, independent on the solvent(s) used, revealed dominant betulin species, followed by lupeol.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Since Raman measurements could also be performed on fresh plant material, we demonstrated the possibility to apply the present results for the prediction of the highest triterpene content in bark species, for the selection of harvesting time or individual genotypes directly in the field, with appropriate portable Raman equipment.</p

Study of the betulin enriched birch bark extracts effects on human carcinoma cells and ear inflammation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pentacyclic triterpenes, mainly betulin and betulinic acid, are valuable anticancer agents found in the bark of birch tree. This study evaluates birch bark extracts for the active principles composition.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>New improved extraction methods were applied on the bark of <it>Betula pendula</it> in order to reach the maximum content in active principles. Extracts were analyzed by HPLC-MS, Raman, SERS and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy which revealed a very high yield of betulin (over 90%). Growth inhibiting effects were measured <it>in vitro</it> on four malignant human cell lines: A431 (skin epidermoid carcinoma), A2780 (ovarian carcinoma), HeLa (cervix adenocarcinoma) and MCF7 (breast adenocarcinoma), by means of MTT assay. All of the prepared bark extracts exerted a pronounced antiproliferative effect against human cancer cell lines. In vivo studies involved the anti-inflammatory effect of birch extracts on TPA-induced model of inflammation in mice.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The research revealed the efficacy of the extraction procedures as well as the antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of birch extracts.</p