Abstract:

Response surface methodology was used to optimize the steam distillation extraction of essential oil from
Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds. The yield of essential oil was investigated with respect to solid-to-solvent ratio, cold water
soaking time and extraction time. The optimum extraction conditions were determined as follows: solid-to-solvent ratio 1:12
(g/mL), cold water soaking time 2.5 h and extraction time 4.7 h, leading to an extraction yield of 9.284%. MTT assay was
used to detect the antitumor activity of the essential oil. Its 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) for HeLa, A549 and K562
cells were (11.2±0.2), (6.26±0.05) and (1.37±0.03) mg/mL, respectively, suggesting potent antitumor activity in vitro and
inhibitory effect on various cancer cells.

Key words: Zanthoxylum bungeanum, essential oil, steam distillation, antitumor activity