Optimization of Taxol Extraction Process Using Response Surface Methodology and Investigation of Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Taxol in Taxus mairei

Abstract

Taxus mairei is an important source for industrial extraction of taxol in China. However, the standard and steps of extraction are currently not uniform, which seriously affects the taxol yield. In the present study, the influence of four factors (methanol concentration, solid-liquid ratio, ultrasonic extraction temperature, and ultrasonic extraction time) on the taxol yield was successively explored in T. mairei. A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process based on the single-factor experiments above. The optimal conditions were as follows: methanol concentration was 90%, solid-liquid ratio was 1:15 (g/mL), ultrasonic extraction temperature was 40 °C and ultrasonic extraction time was 60 min. Moreover, the twigs and needles from T. mairei with different tree ages were treated by the optimum extraction process, which further revealed temporal and spatial distribution of taxol in the reproducible tissues. Interestingly, the taxol content was relatively higher in needles of T. ‘Jinxishan’ (a cultivar from T. mairei with yellow aril, FY), but was less in FY twigs. The accumulation of taxol in twigs and leaves of females (with red aril, FR) was significantly higher than that of males (M); however, the content showed a decreasing trend with the increasing tree ages. Therefore, it is suitable to increase the proportion of female trees especially the FY leaves as raw materials for the industrial production of taxol from T. mairei, and the tree ages should be better controlled at 3–7 years.

Mass spectrometry imaging and single-cell transcriptional profiling reveal the tissue-specific regulation of bioactive ingredient biosynthesis in Taxus leaves

“…T . mairei leaves are an important, renewable resource for the industrial extraction of active ingredients, especially taxoids ( Li et al., 2021b ). MALDI-2 imaging results confirmed distinct accumulation patterns of active ingredients in different cell types of the T .…”

Advancements in the Cultivation, Active Components, and Pharmacological Activities of Taxus mairei

“…The main components in male leaves are Z-3-hexen-1-ol (25.93%), (E)-2-hexenal (13.52%), and 1-Octen-3-one (12.71%), while in female leaves, the main components are (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol (15.70%), 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (5.29%), and Octadecane (11.20%) [ 31 ]. The accumulation of paclitaxel in branches and leaves of female T. mairei (with red aril, FR) is significantly higher than that in males (M); however, its content decreases with age [ 32 ].…”

“…The average content of Baccatin is 391 µg/g, paclitaxel is 223 µg/g, and Cephalomannine is 107 µg/g [ 38 ]. The distribution of paclitaxel content in the needles of different varieties of T. mairei also varies; for example, in ‘Jinxishan’ (a cultivar from T. mairei with yellow aril, FY), the paclitaxel content in needles is relatively high but less in FY branches [ 32 ].…”

Research Progress on Taxus Extraction and Formulation Preparation Technologies

“…Modern advancements such as Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction are designed to enhance extraction efficiency and reduce the environmental impact [34]. ASE uses mechanical or thermal energy to accelerate the extraction process, achieving high purity and yield in reduced time [26].…”