The effect of extraction techniques on yield, extraction kinetics, and antioxidant activity of aqueous-methanolic extracts from nettle (Urtica dioica L.) leaves

ABSTRACT

Five extraction techniques, maceration, reflux, Soxhlet, Tillepape, and ultrasonic extraction, were used to obtain the extractive matter from nettle leaves. The antioxidant activity of extracts was assessed by DPPH, FRAP, and H₂O₂ test, while the total phenolic and total flavonoid content was determined according to the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. Model Ponomarev and a non-stationary diffusion model through the plant material were used for modelling extraction process. The extract obtained by Soxhlet extraction, containing higher amounts of extractive matter as well as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, showed better antioxidant activity than those obtained by other extraction techniques.

KEYWORDS:

• Extraction techniques
• extraction kinetics
• antioxidant activity
• Urtica dioica L.
• total phenolic and flavonoid compounds

Funding

This work was supported under the Project on Development of Technology number TR-34012 by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported under the Project on Development of Technology number TR-34012 by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia.