Optimization of extraction conditions for active components in equisetum arvense extract

Abstract

Response surface methodology was applied to predict optimum conditions for equisetum arvense extraction. Central composite design was used to monitor the effects of temperature, stirring speed, ethanol percent, extraction time, solid-liquid ratio on dependent variables such as, extract yield percent, total phenol content, total antioxidant capacity, silicic acid amount. According to the mathematical models obtained from the analysis, the highest values for yield percent, total phenol content, total antioxidant capacity and silicic acid amount were found to be 18.67 %, 123 mg gallic acid gr-1 dry weight extract, 1608 μM TEAC mg-1 dry weight extract and 0.0049 mg silicic acid mg-1 dry weight extract, respectively. The plant extracts were analyzed with HPLC to determine the phenolic content and compositional differences of extracts obtained at different extraction conditions. Plant extracts were also analyzed for their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities. The high total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content resulted in an increased cytotoxic effect on fibroblast cells. Equisetum arvense extracts showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli bacteria, however showed no effect against Candida albicans. © 2013 University of Bucharest.