RESUMEN
Aims: Purified saponin fraction was obtained from butanol extract of the aerial parts of Astragalus monspessulanus var. monspessulanus. The fraction was analyzed by HPLC and six saponins were determined. The saponin mixture was investigated for possible cytotoxicity on HepG2 cell line. Study Design: HPLC, in vitro study, biochemical analysis - lactate dehydrogenase leakage in medium Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Drug metabolism and drug toxicity, between September and November 2013. Methodology: The saponin mixture was studied on HepG2 cell line in 3 different concentrations –1, 2, 4 mg/ml for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The release of lactate dehydrogenase in the medium was measured spectrophotometrically. Results: It was found that the saponins have statistically significant cytotoxicity only in the highest concentration 4 mg/ml on 48 and 72 hours. At this concentration the sample increased the level of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) with 37 % on 48 h and with 52 % on 72 h. Conclusion: Purified saponin fraction, isolated from Astragalus monspessulanus was found to be cytotoxic at the highest concentration 4 mg/ml on 48 and 72 hours in HepG2 cell line.