Abstract
This study was focused on extraction, radical scavenging activities, and chemical composition identification of total flavonoids in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) receptacles (TFSR). We investigated the optimal extract parameters of TFSR using response surface methodology. The highest yield of TFSR was 1.04% with the ethanol concentration 58%, the material-to-liquid ratio 1:20 (v/w), the extraction time 2.6 h, and the extraction temperature 67 °C. The results of radical scavenging activities showed that ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was the strongest by using 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzo thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and iron ion reducing analysis. The EAF had the highest flavonoids contents. Four fractions A, B, C and D were enrichment from EAF by polyamide resin. Fraction B had the highest flavonoids content. Thirteen chemical components of flavonoids in fraction B were first identified by Ultimate 3000 Nano LC System coupled to a Q Exactive HF benchtop Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). Among of the thirteen chemical components, isoquercetin and daidzein were identified accurately by comparing with standard samples. Radical scavenging analysis showed that isoquercetin and EAF had strong activities. Therefore, sunflower receptacles can be used as a source of natural flavonoids. TFSR as a natural radical scavenger has potential applications in pharmaceutical industry.
Highlights
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a species of Compositae, which has varieties of nutritional functions and medicinal benefits [1]
In Chinese folk, sunflower receptacles were used as a main part of the medicines, sunflower receptacles had a therapeutic function on hypertension, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and uterine bleeding in the Grand Dictionary of Chinese Medicine
The crude extracts of TFSR were suspended into water and distribution by increasing polarities, the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) had the highest total flavonoids contents (191.95 mg RTE/g DW)
Summary
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a species of Compositae, which has varieties of nutritional functions and medicinal benefits [1]. The research on sunflower mainly focused on seeds [1,2,3,4]. Sunflower receptacles have not been researched as popularly as seeds. Some sunflower receptacles were used as feed. Most of sunflower receptacles were burned as “waste” in field, which caused serious environmental pollution. Utilization of these “waste” can reduce environmental pollution [5]. In order to develop new functions of sunflower receptacles, some studies were conducted on its medicinal value. The effective medicinal compounds of sunflower receptacles were still unclear, which limited its application in pharmaceutical industry
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
