Optimization of polyphenol extraction from Hibiscus rosa sinensis flowers

Abstract

Edible flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis have been identified with various phenolic compounds which are capable of combatting oxidative stress. However, different extraction parameters greatly influence the quantity as well as the composition of bioactive compounds extracted from them. Thus, effective extraction of phenolic compounds is important to efficiently utilize these flowers. The present study aims to make use of central composite design, to investigate the effects of extraction parameters on the three response variables; total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity. Four independent variables including solid:liquid ratio, ethanol concentration, temperature and time were studied for the simultaneous optimization to maximize the response variables. Solid-liquid extraction technique was used for the extraction process.