Optimization of phenolic compounds extraction from Bellis perennis flowers and assessment for antioxidant properties

Abstract

Bellis perennis is an interesting daisy not for its ornamental usage but also for its bioactive compounds, particularly phenolics, and related biological effects that explain traditional application for many disorders. The objective of this study was the optimization of phenolic compounds extraction from B. perennis flower with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using response surface methodology (RSM) and assessing optimal extract for bioactive contents and in vitro biological properties. The optimization of phenolic extraction was performed by studying four parameters (solvent concentration, time, microwave power, and solvent to solid ratio). Furthermore, the optimal extract was analyzed for flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity, and FTIR analysis. Data fitting to the secondary polynomial model revealed that optimal conditions allowing the best phenolic extraction regarding solvent concentration, time, microwave power, and solvent to solid ratio were 56%, 83s, 200 W, and 68 mL/g, respectively. The phenolic yield obtained using this optimal combination was 135.67 mg GAE/g dw. The obtained optimal extract demonstrated an interesting flavonoids content (27.68 mg EQ/g dw) and expressed a good antioxidant activity measured with DPPH free radical scavenging activity (46.4mg GAE/g dw), ABTS free radical scavenging activity (59.6mg TE/g dw), reducing power (288.0mg GAE/g dw), iron chelating activity (32.7mg EDTAE/g dw), and anti-inflammatory activity (7.9mg IbuE/g dw). FTIR analysis revealed the presence of characteristic functional groups of phenolic compounds in the studied extract. This investigation allowed the development of a validated mathematic model for phenolic compounds extraction from B. perennis flower using MAE and optimal extract expressed good bioactive contents with the best antioxidant properties.