Extraction process and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of total flavonoids from Broussonetia papyrifera leaves

This study developed an efficient extraction process for flavonoids from Broussonetia papyrifera leaves using the response surface methodology. The optimized flavonoids exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radicals. UPLC-MS/MS analysis preliminarily identified numerous flavonoid compounds in the extract.. The extract also demonstrated potent broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. These findings indicate that the extracted flavonoids may serve as natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries.