Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents, Anti-tyrosinase and Antioxidant Activities of Pachyrhizus erosus Extracts

Abstract

Background: The storage roots of Pachyrhizus erosus (PE) have been traditionally used as a skin whitening agent in Indonesia and are also consumed fresh in many Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand. However, research on the biological activities of PE is limited. Objective: This study aimed to measure the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and to test the anti-tyrosinase and antioxidant activities of PE extracts. The Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric, the Aluminium chloride colorimetric, the DPPH scavenging, and the Dopachrome assays were used for the experiments. Results: The dichloromethane extract had the highest anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50= 2.08 ± 0.40 mg/mL), total flavonoid content (9.93 ± 0.02 mg QE/g extract), and antioxidant activity (IC50= 40 ± 0.02 µg/mL). The largest total phenolic concentration was found in the 80% ethanol extract, albeit (11.97 ± 0.55 mg GAE/g extract). Conclusion: Based on its remarkable activities, the dichloromethane extract is recommended for future development in skin-lightening products. The study's findings conclude that PE extracts may be used as an alternate source of antioxidants and anti-tyrosinase agents.