Evaluation of the Biological Properties of an Optimized Extract of Polygonum cuspidatum Using Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction

Phytochemicals are natural compounds found in plants that have potential health benefits such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and immune reinforcement. Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. is a source rich in resveratrol, traditionally consumed as an infusion. In this study, P. cuspidatum root extraction conditions were optimized to increase antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS+), extraction yield, resveratrol concentration, and total polyphenolic compounds (TPC) via ultrasonic-assisted extraction using a Box-Behnken design (BBD). The biological activities of the optimized extract and the infusion were compared. The optimized extract was obtained using a solvent/root powder ratio of 4, 60% ethanol concentration, and 60% ultrasonic power. The optimized extract showed higher biological activities than the infusion. The optimized extract contained 16.6 mg mL(-1) resveratrol, high antioxidant activities (135.1 mu g TE mL(-1) for DPPH, and 230.4 mu g TE mL(-1) for ABTS+), TPC (33.2 mg GAE mL(-1)), and extraction yield of 12.4%. The EC50 value (effective concentration 50) of the optimized extract was 0.194 mu g mL(-1), which revealed high cytotoxic activity against the Caco-2 cell line. The optimized extract could be used to develop functional beverages with high antioxidant capacity, antioxidants for edible oils, functional foods, and cosmetics.

Automated summary

This study optimized the extraction conditions of Polygonum cuspidatum root to increase its antioxidant capacity, extraction yield, resveratrol concentration, and total polyphenolic compounds. The optimized extract showed higher biological activities compared to the infusion and could be used for developing functional beverages, antioxidants for edible oils, functional foods, and cosmetics.