Solvent extraction effects on phytochemical profiles, antioxidant activities and superoxide anion radical interactions of whole fruit, pulp and skin of Cucurbita pepo L.

Abstract

In this study, hexane and ethanol were used separately as solvent in the extraction of different part of fresh fruit of Cucurbita pepo L. For each solvent, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total flavanol content and antioxidant activity in skin, pulp and whole fruit extract were investigated using invitro assays. The results showed that skin part is the rich one en compounds and ethanol is the best solvent for the extraction of total phenolics (231.16 mgGAE/g), total flavonoids (8,4 mgRE/g) and total flavanols (4,16 mgQE/g). For evaluation of antioxidant activity, using DPPH• radical scavenging and total antioxidant activity, skin extract obtained by ethanol showed the highest value respectively (IC50= 0,42 mg/mL) and (19,72 mg/g). The superoxide scavenging assay of ethanol extract of whole fruit and skin showed the highest value respectively (IC50= 0,015 mg/ml) and (0.016 mg/ml).