Optimization of the extraction of bioactive compounds from Muntingia calabura peels and cytotoxic and antiproliferative evaluation by the Allium cepa test

Objective and Methods The purpose of this article was to compare the extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds from Muntingia calabura peel using conventional methodology and ultrasound assistance, in addition, to verify the best extraction conditions, varying the drying temperature of the peels, time and solvents, and then to verify the cytotoxic and antiproliferative action of M. calabura extracts by Allium cepa. Results and Conclusions It was verified through the analysis of total phenolic compounds, 2,2 '-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and iron reduction capacity that the best conditions were ultrasonic extraction, with a temperature of 50 degrees C, 50% aqueous ethanol solution and extraction time of 60 min. Regarding the quantification of total phenolic compounds (TPC), ABTS and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in calabura peel, there was a variation of 571.33-1444.67 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents) 100 g(-1) dry peel for TPC, 19.36-115.74 mg Trolox 100 g(-1) for ABTS and 306.73-1608.97 for FRAP. Regarding the cytotoxic effect on root growth of A. cepa, it was found that both conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction had an effect on onion root growth. In addition, together with the results of the analyzed cells and the literature, it can be verified that M. calabura peels also have an antiproliferative effect. This effect is due to the high concentration of phenolic compounds found in the analyzed extracts; such bioactive compounds are responsible for inhibiting cell division in meristematic cells. (c) 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).