Abstract
To elaborate a complete extraction protocol for the enhanced release of biologically active compounds from plant cells, this study aimed to optimize together the parameters of the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process (temperature, pressure, and percentage of cosolvent) and enzymatic treatment of plant material (pH, enzyme concentration, time, and temperature) by response surface methodology (RSM). Medicago sativa L. was selected as a plant material due to its richness in phenolics and flavonoids. HPLC-MS/MS analysis allowed evaluating the content of individual bioactive compounds in obtained extracts. The total content of polyphenolic compounds in the extract obtained after two-step optimization was much higher (546 ± 21 µg/g) than in the extract obtained from non-hydrolyzed material (275 ± 23 µg/g) and in the extract obtained by maceration (162 ± 20 µg/g). Furthermore, it was evidenced that extract with the highest content of polyphenolic compounds can support the cellular antioxidant system both as a free radical scavenger and by stimulating the antioxidant enzyme system.
Highlights
Most biological active compounds are not directly involved in plant growth and development but play an essential role in plants’ interactions with the environment
Results indicate that extracts obtained by EA-supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) exhibit higher antioxidant potential than extracts from non-hydrolyzed material, in the case of both tested methods
The antioxidant capacities determined by DPPH and AgNPs methods were significantly correlated with the number of phenolic acids and flavonoids in obtained extracts
Summary
Most biological active compounds are not directly involved in plant growth and development but play an essential role in plants’ interactions with the environment. The synthesis of these compounds is characteristic of higher plants and occurs only in specific plant tissues or organs. The compounds like phenolics or saponins are the essential ingredients of food but are highly desirable compounds in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries They are commonly used as drugs, food additives, fine chemicals, or more recently in nutraceuticals [1,2]. The effect of the antioxidant properties of flavonoids is their pharmacological activity These compounds show anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anticoagulant, anti-ulcer, diuretic, spasmolytic and anti-cancer effects [4,5]
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