Effect of extraction technique, solvent polarity, and plant matrix on the antioxidant properties of Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don (African Star Apple)

Abstract

Abstract Background Chrysophyllum albidum is a well-known medicinal plant in Africa and has many medicinal properties. This study investigated the effect of sonication, solvent polarity (acetone and ethanol), and plant matrix (bark and seeds) on the antioxidant property of C. albidum. The bark of C. albidum was subjected to sonication and soaking with acetone to evaluate the effect of sonication on the antioxidant property, and C. albidum bark and seeds were subjected to ultrasonic-assisted extraction of acetone and ethanol to evaluate the effect of solvents and plant matrix on the antioxidant property of C. albidum. The phytochemical composition, total flavonoid content, total antioxidant activity, total phenol content, lipid peroxidation (LPO) inhibition activity, nitric oxide, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals scavenging activities were evaluated in all extracts. Results Sonication increased the percentage yield of extracts compared to maceration. Flavonoids and terpenoids were present, while saponins were absent in all extracts evaluated. Ultrasound-assisted extraction increased C. albidum antioxidant property compared to maceration. Ethanol was the most suitable solvent for C. albidum bark, while acetone was the most suitable solvent for C. albidum seeds. C. albidum bark extracts were most active as free radical scavengers, while the seed extracts were most active as inhibitors of lipid peroxidation. Conclusions Extraction technique, extraction solvent, and plant matrix significantly affect the antioxidant properties of C. albidum. This study indicates that the selection of an effective extraction process for medicinal plants depends on the phytochemical compound responsible for the biological activity of interest.