Optimization of Extraction of Antioxidants from Turmeric(Curcuma longa L.) Using Response Surface Methodology

Turmeric is a spice widely used to enhance the taste and color of certain meats. We investigated the antioxidant capacities of turmeric ethanol soaking extracts by utilizing the scavenging properties of hydroxyl radical and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl（DPPH） free radical. The results showed that the optimum extraction parameters were： extraction time 4 h, sample-solvent ratio 1：84.12, solvent 72.34% ethanol solution, and water bath temperature 81.3 ℃. The optimum ethanol soaking extraction parameters were： extraction time 4 h, sample-solvent ratio 1：90.74, solvent 80.46% ethanol solution, water bath temperature 88.2 ℃. With these parameters, the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate and the DPPH free radical clearance of crude extracts from turmeric can reach about 93.78% and 40.69%, respectively. These results indicate that ethanol soaking extraction may be a useful method for extracting antioxidants from turmeric.

Antioxidant,phytotoxic and cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum

Objective:To analyze the methanol extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum(T.foenum-graecum)for antioxidant,phytotoxic and cytotoxic activity.Methods:The powder of T.foenum-graecum was extracted in diluted methanol with the help of random shaking method.All extracts of the plant were measured for cytotoxic activity(beside brine shrimp and antioxidant activity vs.1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical).Results:Various concentrations of methanolic extract of T.foenum-graecum were observed as 36.16%to 54.12%with rising concentrations of 50 to 1000μg/mL.Significantly phytotoxic activity(100 and 1000μg/mL)reduced the growth of roots(radicals)and shoots(hypocotyls)of rice when compared to control after 3 and 7 days’treatment.At a concentration of 10μg/mL,the survival rate of cytotoxic activity of brine shrimp was maximum and at a concentration of 250μg/mL,the death rate of brine shrimp was maximum.Conclusions:T.foenum-graecum has potential activity against free radical mediated sickness and thus it is possible to treat cancer.