Previous studies have indicated that black cohosh extracts obtained using different extraction methods can show different chemical profiles and biological activities. In this study, black cohosh plant material was extracted with 18 different solvents. Extraction under different temperatures was compared. Fifteen fractions were also prepared by either stepwise extraction or partition for comparison of chemical profiles and biological activities. All extracts/fractions were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for triterpene glycosides and polyphenols by a combined HPLC-PDA and LC-MS method. Most extracts/fractions showed similar chemical profiles for triterpene glycosides, but the amount of the triterpene glycosides varied greatly. The chemical profiles of the polyphenols in the extracts/fractions varied depending upon the type and the composition of the solvent used for the extraction; a certain amount of water in the solvent was necessary for the extraction of polyphenols. Extracts/fractions were selected for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity assays, and the results showed that activities varied with different extracts/fractions. Extraction method is the key to chemical profile and biological activity of black cohosh samples. Researchers should take this into consideration when either designing studies or comparing results among studies, as this may explain some of the results seen in the literature.
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