Study on extraction and antioxidant activity of extracts of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. Cladodes grown in Phu Yen province

Abstract

The research results showed that Soxhlet extraction method gave higher anti-radical property compared with marceration. By using Soxhlet extraction method, alcohol (95%), alcohol: sample rate (1:30), temperature (78°C), time (5 hours) can extract cladodes of Opuntia dillenii most efficiently. This extract showed high total polyphenol content 143,14 ± 1,71 mg/g gallic acid equivalents and high total flavonoid content 50,46±0,25 mg/g quercetin equivalents. This study also evaluated the ability to capture free radicals DPPH of this extract (IC₅₀ = 9,9 µg/ml) in comparison with vitamin C (IC₅₀ = 14,02 µg/ml). Thus, the extracts of Opuntia dillenii cladodes is a source of antioxidant phenolic compounds and will be probably used for the development of functional foods or drug formulations.

            Key words: Opuntia dillenii, extract, total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity