Extraction process and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of total flavonoids from Broussonetia papyrifera leaves

Sep 30, 2026

Efficient extraction of total flavonoids from Broussonetia papyrifera leaves was optimized using response surface methodology. The optimized extract showed strong antioxidant capacity by scavenging DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radicals. UPLC-MS/MS profiling preliminarily identified numerous flavonoid constituents within the extract. In addition, the extract exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as antifungal activity against Candida albicans. These results suggest potential natural antioxidant and antimicrobial applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Extraction optimization strategy

Response surface methodology

Antioxidant evaluation

Radical scavenging assays (DPPH, hydroxyl, ABTS)

Antimicrobial evaluation

Antibacterial activity against bacteria

Antifungal activity against Candida albicans

Chemical characterization

UPLC-MS/MS identification

[www. nature.com/scientificreports](www. nature.com/scientificreports) OPEN Extraction process and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of total flavonoids from Broussonetia papyrifera leaves Xiaoqiang Huang1, An Jia1􀀍, Shunhe Liu1, Hongchang Zhao1,2, Cheng Ding1,2 & Chunsheng Yan1 This study developed an efficient extraction process for flavonoids from Broussonetia papyrifera leaves using the response surface methodology. The optimized flavonoids exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging DPPH, hydroxyl, andABTS radicals. UPLC-MS/MS analysis preliminarily identified numerous flavonoid compounds in the extract.. The extract also demonstrated potent broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. These findings indicate that the extracted flavonoids may serve as natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. Keywords Broussonetia papyrifera leaves, Total flavonoids, Response surface methodology, Extraction process; antioxidant activity, Antibacterial activity Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. is native to China and the subtropical regions of Southeast and East Asia1. Its roots, bark, and fruits have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The species has medicinal, edible, and fodder applications and is valued for its nutrient and bioactive content. Its leaves, rich in amino acids, represent a valuable unconventional feed source for animals2. The plant also contains polysaccharides, proteins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and other polyphenols3. In traditional Chinese medicine, dried twigs, leaves, and roots are prescribed for diuresis, tonification, and edema reduction4. Flavonoids, a major class of natural polyphenols, include quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, luteolin, and apigenin5. They have been reported to slow aging, alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, protect the blood– brain barrier, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, immune disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease6–8. In animal husbandry, the use of flavonoids has received increasing attention. They are considered potential green feed additives because of their antibacterial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and other biological properties, which may reduce the use of traditional antibiotics and improve animal health and production performance9, 10. To efficiently extract flavonoids, modern technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and enzymatic extraction have been widely applied, substantially improving extraction efficiency and product purity11, 12. The traditional extraction methods of flavonoids include solvent extraction, crystallization, microfluidic technology, vacuum extraction, Soxhlet extraction and so on. However, these methods have problems such as long extraction time, expensive extraction equipment, low extraction efficiency, and the need for high purity solvents. Ultrasonic assisted extraction technology is to quickly enter the solvent under ultrasonic action based on the presence, polarity and solubility of other active ingredients in the substance to obtain a multi-component mixture, and then obtain the active substance monomer through appropriate separation and purification techniques. At present, this method has been widely used in the extraction and separation of active ingredients in natural products. Combining ultrasonic waves with traditional solvent extraction has the advantages of reducing extraction time, targeted heating, reducing solvent consumption, and high extraction rate, making it an effective method for extracting total flavonoids13. Currently, ultrasound has been used to extract a variety of plant flavonoids14, 15. The study found that compared with the traditional Soxhlet extraction method, ultrasonic assisted extraction of total flavonoids can shorte

FAQs

What method was used to develop and optimize the flavonoid extraction process?

The study used response surface methodology to develop an efficient extraction process and optimize conditions for flavonoids from Broussonetia papyrifera leaves.

How were the antioxidant properties of the optimized flavonoid extract assessed?

Antioxidant activity was evaluated through radical scavenging tests targeting DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radicals.

Which microorganisms were used to test antimicrobial activity, and what were the outcomes?

The extract showed potent broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and it also demonstrated activity against Candida albicans.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Theodore