Antioxidant potential of various solvent extract from Morus alba fruits and its major polyphenols composition

Abstract

Extraction conditions are an important factor in the process of obtaining bioactive compounds from plant matrix. These compounds differ structurally. Structures of phyto-compounds and their interactions with other food ingredient are not fully known, while these two aspects should play a significant role in extrahents choice and determination of extraction process conditions. Mulberry (Morus alba) is a plant growing in Asia, which fruits are rich in bioactive ingredients and high anti-oxidative potential. In our study we analyzed mulberry fruits extracts differing in the extra hent applied: acetone, methanol, ethanol and water. All tested extracts possessed rich polyphenolic composition and radical scavenging ability. The significant differences among the extracts in phenolic acids and flavonoids compositions were noticed, where the highest values were observed for acetone extract. The extrahent applied affects the antioxidative profile of tested samples, as well. The highest scavenging activity against ABTS was observed for acetone and ethanol extracts, while the poorest activity had water extract. Similar results were provided for ferrous ion reducing test and Fe chlating activity (acetone>ethanol>methanol>water). These results are helpful when selecting solvents with appropriate bioactive compounds compositions and high phytochemical profiles to be used as ingredients in supplements, as well as in functional foods.