A Comparative Study on the Phenolic Extraction of Total Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Satureja Hortensis L. for Bioactive Properties

Abstract

In Türkiye, S. hortensis species are naturally found especially in the Thrace region. This plant, which has been used as a spice since ancient times and benefited from its medicinal properties, is the only annual member of the Lamiaceae family. Natural products derived from the Lamiaceae family are predominantly characterized by polyphenols and flavonoids, responsible for antioxidant properties among others. In the research, extracts of plant samples were obtained with different concentrations of ethanol (EtOH) and three different extraction methods. The plant material (Satureja hortensis L.) was sourced from the province of Kırklareli. Three different extraction methods, namely traditional, ultrasound, and microwave, were employed along with three different ethanol solvent ratios (40%, 50%, and 60%, v:v) for phenolic compound extraction. The total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity (DPPH) were compared for all samples. Among the samples, the highest total phenolic content (TPC) value was determined for extracts obtained with ethanol (60%, v:v) using traditional extraction (TE), ultrasound extraction (15 minutes) (US-15), and microwave extraction (2.5 minutes) (MW-2.5), respectively. Other extracts obtained with ultrasound extraction (30 minutes) (US-30) and microwave extraction (5 minutes) (MW-5) resulted in the highest TPC value when applied with ethanol (50%, v:v). Some Satureja species known to have therapeutic properties for diabetes also possess antioxidant characteristics. However, there is no research available for S. hortensis L. This study, by presenting the characteristics for the first time, investigated the potential anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obesity effects of S. hortensis L. extracts. For this purpose, the enzyme activities of amylase and lipase were determined for all samples. Thus, the data obtained for S. hortensis L. holds significance for future research and industrial applications.