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

The study optimized the extraction of podophyllotoxin and deoxypodophyllotoxin from Juniperus sabina L. needles, achieving the highest reported extraction rate of 7.51 mg/g DW for podophyllotoxin under optimal conditions of a 1:40 material-to-liquid ratio, 90% methanol, and 7 minutes of ultrasonication. The extracts showed significant anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity, suggesting potential medicinal value, particularly for Alzheimer's disease treatment. The study highlighted the potential of J. sabina as an economical source of podophyllotoxins and antioxidants, with further analysis needed to understand the specific mechanisms of their anticholinesterase activity.