Effect of Extraction Solvent on Total Phenol Content, Total Flavonoid Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Euphorbia resinifiera O. Berg

Abstract

Euphorbia resinifiera is a well-known medicinal plant used by the Moroccans to treat several diseases. This study evaluated the influence of extraction solvents polarities (methanol, aqueous/methanol (3:7), and distilled water) on the polyphenols and flavonoids contents of Euphorbia resinifiera extracts obtained by three extraction methods: infusion, maceration and sonication, as well as their antioxidant activity. The results revealed that the distilled water extract obtained by infusion presented the highest polyphenols and flavonoids contents: 8.89 ±0.01 mgGEA/g dry weight, and 4.98±0.01 mgRE/g dry weight, respectively. The antioxidant activity results revealed that the aqueous-methanol extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity. These findings could support the medical uses of Euphorbia resinifiera.