Optimization of Extraction Solvent and Fast Blue BB Assay for Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant Phenolics from Cucumis melo L

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruits contain multiple health-promoting compounds, including phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants. Accurate measurement of antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents (TPCs) require an efficient solvent extraction. In this study, we evaluated free radical scavenging activity and TPC of melon extracts extracted with 22 different solvent combinations. The DPPH scavenging activities were high in 100% methanolic (39.48 +/- 0.36 mu g g(-1)) and 80% methanolic extracts (38.99 +/- 0.44 mu g g(-1)). Similarly, the ABTS scavenging activities were high in 100% methanolic (315.11 +/- 10.38 mu g g(-1)) and 80% methanol extracts (297.39 +/- 14.98 mu g g(-1)). The Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) assay is typically used to measure TPC but may be affected by interference from sugars and other compounds. Therefore, we optimized an assay for TPC using Fast Blue (FB) salt and developed a standard operating procedure for microplate analysis using FB. Our analysis of standard samples and comparisons with the F-C assay suggested that the optimized FB assay could be used to measure TPC in fruit and juice samples. Moreover, we successfully detected six phenolic compounds in methanol extracts of melon by LC-HR-QTOF/MS.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents of melon extracts extracted with 22 different solvent combinations. Results showed high DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities in methanolic extracts, and an optimized Fast Blue assay was developed for TPC measurement in fruit and juice samples. LC-HR-QTOF/MS analysis successfully detected six phenolic compounds in methanol extracts of melon.