Enzyme-Assisted Ultrasonic Extraction of Flavonoids from Pinus koraiensis Needle Litterfall: Process Optimization,...

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Extraction Technology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Flavonoids possess significant biological activities but their efficient extraction from plant sources like Pinus koraiensis (PN) needles remains a challenge.
• Conventional extraction methods often yield suboptimal recovery rates and may degrade sensitive compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize an enzyme-assisted ultrasonic extraction (EAU) method for recovering flavonoids from PN litterfall.
• To compare the efficiency and bioactivity of flavonoids extracted using EAU versus conventional extraction (CE).

Main Methods:

• Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize EAU parameters including enzyme dosage, ethanol concentration, and ultrasonic conditions.
• Flavonoid content was quantified, and identified using UPLC-Triple-TOF/MS.
• In vitro antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS) and carbohydrate-digesting enzyme inhibitory (α-glucosidase, α-amylase) activities were assessed.

Main Results:

• Optimal EAU conditions yielded significantly higher total flavonoid content (17.08 mg rutin/g) compared to CE.
• Sixty flavonoids were identified in the EAU extract, including quercitrin and procyanidin B2.
• The EAU extract demonstrated superior in vitro antioxidant and carbohydrate-digesting enzyme inhibitory activities, particularly against α-amylase.

Conclusions:

• EAU is a highly efficient and reliable method for extracting bioactive flavonoids from PN litterfall.
• The optimized EAU method enhances the recovery and bioactivity of PN flavonoids, suggesting potential for their development and utilization.