Impact of different extraction solvents on bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity from the root of Salacia chinensis L

Abstract

This study aimed to study the impact of selected common organic solvents on extractable solids, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of S. chinensis. The results showed that the tested solvents played an important role in extraction of total solid and phytochemical composition as well as antioxidant capacity of S. chinensis. Acetone (50% v/v) was found to be the optimal extraction solvent for extractable solids (12.2%), phenolic compounds (60mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (100mg CE/g DW), proanthocyanidins (47.4mg CE/g DW), and saponins (754mg EE/g DW) as well as antioxidant capacity (ABTS 334mMTE/g DW, DPPH 470mM TE/g DW, FRAP 347mM TE/g DW, and CUPRAC 310mM TE/g DW). The extract prepared from 50% acetone had high levels of bioactive compounds (TPC 555mg GAE/g CRE, flavonoids 819mg CE/g CRE, proanthocyanidins 392mg CE/g CRE, and saponins 1,880mg EE/g CRE) as well as antioxidant capacity (ABTS 414mM TE/g, DPPH 407mM TE/g, FRAP 320mg TE/g, and CUPRAC 623mM TE/g), thus further confirming that 50% acetone is the solvent of choice. Therefore, 50% acetone is recommended for extraction of phenolic compounds, their secondary metabolites, saponins, and antioxidant capacity from the root of S. chinensis for further isolation and utilisation.