Optimisation of pressurised liquid extraction for antioxidative polyphenolic compound from Momordica charantia using response surface methodology

Pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) of antioxidant compounds from bitter gourd fruits (Momordica charantia) in aqueous ethanolic solvent was investigated using response surface methodology at laboratory scale to understand key impact of extraction variables. Extraction efficiency was optimised by measuring the yield of extraction, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and radical scavenging activity (RSA). The optimal extraction conditions were reached at 80% ethanol concentration, 10‐min extraction time and at 160 °C. Under these extraction conditions, values of TPC (5.40 ± 0.30 g GAE per 100 g), TFC (1.50 ± 0.10 g QE per 100 g), FRAP (778.55 ± 10 μmol eq Fe (II) g^?1), yield (178.50 ± 5.50 mg g^?1 dc) and RSA (75.50 ± 4.50%) were achieved. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that antioxidative attributes of bitter gourd extract were strongly and positively correlated with extraction temperature and ethanol concentration rather than processing time. This study illustrated that PLE has the potential to extract antioxidant compounds from tropical fruit vegetables in an accelerated manner. Furthermore, influential parameters affecting the process could be optimised for further industrial intake.     

Optimisation of process parameters to develop nutritionally rich spray‐dried honey powder with vitamin C content and antioxidant properties

The aim of present research was to optimise the conditions to develop nutritionally rich honey powder using honey, whey protein concentrate (WPC), aonla (Emblica officinalis. Gaertn) and basil (Ocimum sanctum) extract with the help of co‐current spray drier. Response surface methodology was applied to study the effects of inlet temperature (160–180 °C), whey protein concentrate (25–35%), feed flow rate (0.08–0.13 mL s^?1), aonla extract (6–8%) and basil extract (6–8%) on product responses, viz. bulk density, hygroscopicity, antioxidant activity (AOA), total phenolic content (TPC) and vitamin C. Statistical analysis revealed that independent variables significantly affected all the responses. The results demonstrated that increasing inlet temperature lowered the bulk density, hygroscopicity, AOA, TPC and vitamin C, whereas addition of aonla extract and basil extract increased the AOA (82.73%), TPC (63.27%) and total vitamin C content (94.89%) as these functional compounds were encapsulated by WPC. Similarly, with increase in feed flow rate and WPC, there was increase and decrease in the bulk density and hygroscopicity, respectively. The recommended optimum spray‐drying conditions were inlet air temperature (170 °C), feed rate (0.11 mL s^?1), whey protein concentrate (35%), aonla (8%) and basil extract (6%).     

Bioactive components,ABTS radical scavenging capacity and physical stability of orange,yellow and purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) powder processed by convection‐ or vacuum‐drying methods

This study aims to investigate the antioxidant properties and physical stability of convection‐ or vacuum‐dried orange, yellow and purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) powder upon room temperature storage at different relative humidity (RH) of 33%, 43%, 54% and 75% for 25 days. Both convection and vacuum‐dried samples had lower total phenolic content (TPC), anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity compared to the fresh samples. Vacuum‐dried powder retained higher antioxidant activity than convection‐dried powder. Storage of the powder at high RH of 75% resulted in apparent clump formation, which was likely attributed to the decrease of glass transition temperature (T_g). In general, purple sweet potato powder contained the highest TPC (255.0 mg GAE 100 g DW^?1) and antioxidant activity (1924.0 μmol TEAC 100 g DW^?1), while orange powder had the highest beta‐carotene content (127.2 mg 100 g DW^?1). Vacuum‐dried sweet potato powder, which has relatively higher antioxidant activity, could be a potential functional ingredient or natural colourant for the food industry.     

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of Brazilian hop (Humulus lupulus L.) extracts

Bioactive compounds from Brazilian hop (Humulus lupulus L.) cultivars were extracted by ultrasound and their phenolic profile compared with commercial hop from the USA. The most effective extraction conditions (solution of ethanol 49%, at 52 °C and a solid/liquid ratio of 1 g per 34 mL) for the total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined using a Central Composite Rotatable Design. The Brazilian hop showed higher content of TPC (33.93 ± 0.67 mg GAE g⁻¹), total flavonoids (54.47 ± 0.10 mg QE g⁻¹) and higher antioxidant activity (ABTS: EC₅₀ 21.29 ± 1.36 μL mL⁻¹; DPPH: EC₅₀ 3.91 ± 0.17 μL mL⁻¹) when compared with the USA hop. The main phenolic compounds present in the extracts were the flavonoids isoquercitrin and quercetin. The antioxidant properties of the Brazilian hop extract had not been reported yet in the literature for this raw material, thus showing potential to be incorporated in polymeric films used as active packaging.     

Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of pressurised liquid and solid–liquid extracts from four Irish origin macroalgae

The efficiency of solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) for the recovery of antioxidant and polyphenols from the Irish macroalgae, Fucus serratus, Laminaria digitata, Gracilaria gracilis and Codium fragile, was assessed using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays and the Folin–Ciocalteu total phenol content (TPC) assay. Fucus serratus had TPC and antioxidant activities thirty times higher than the other species. Solid–liquid extraction cold water (CW_SLE) had the highest TPC (81.17 μg GAE mg^?1 sample) derived from F. serratus, compared with the TPC of 61.12 μg GAE mg^?1 sample for the corresponding PLE extract. For both SLE and PLE extracts, low TPC levels were observed in L. digitata, G. gracilis and C. fragile. The majority of SLE extracts possessed higher FRAP and DPPH activities compared with their PLE counterparts. This study indicates that the high temperatures and pressures in PLE did not enhance the antioxidant activities relative to conventional SLE extraction.     

Effect of fermentation by Bacillus subtilis on antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of black rice bran

Black rice bran was fermented with Bacillus subtilis KU3 isolated from Korean traditional food, Kimchi. Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the fermented black rice bran were investigated. Total phenolic and anthocyanin contents decreased from 171.54 mg GAE g^?1 and 2.31 mg g^?1 to 139.13 mg GAE g^?1 and 2.12 mg g^?1, respectively, after fermentation. Antioxidant activities determined by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, β‐carotene bleaching and ferric thiocyanate assay were correlated with total phenolic and anthocyanin contents. Non‐fermented black rice bran extract (NFBE) showed greater antioxidant activities than fermented black rice bran extract (FBE). Cytotoxic activities measured by MTT assay showed that both NFBE and FBE had over 50% activities. The cytotoxic activities of FBE against MCF‐7 and HeLa cells were 71.65% and 68.07%, respectively, at 8.0 mg mL^?1, but those of NFBE were lower than 50%. These results suggested that the cytotoxic activity of black rice bran improved through fermentation, while antioxidant activity reduced.     

Preparation,antioxidant activity and protective effect of coconut testa oil extraction on oxidative damage to human serum albumin

Extraction, physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition analysis of coconut testa oil (CTO), antioxidant activity and the protective effect on oxidative damage to human serum albumin (HSA) of coconut testa oil extract (CTOE) were investigated. Results showed that the optimal extract condition of CTO was B₃A₂C₂ (temperature of 60 °C, material‐to‐solvent of 1:4 g mL^?1 and extraction time of 3 h) with the maximum oil yield (76.83 ± 0.53%). The obtained CTO was nondrying oil with iodine value of 14.69 g per 100 g, and lauric acid was the main component of 42.28%. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of CTOE can reach to 49.81% at 2.5 mg mL^?1, while antioxidant activity (AA) on the oxidation of linoleic acid dropped from 56.82% to 31.70% during the first 80 min. CTOE could prevent HSA from oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide via inhibiting the formation of protein carbonyl and increase of hydroperoxides content effectively. Total phenolic content was 68 mg g^?1, and the epicatechin and catechin were 2.74 and 2.26 mg g^?1 in its phenolic compositions, respectively. These all suggested CTO and CTOE might be new worthy exploiting functional sources.     

Antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory potential of phenolics from purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves induced by jasmonic,arachidonic and β‐aminobutyric acid elicitation

The study presents changes in the phenolic levels, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential of purple basil leaves caused by different chemical elicitors: arachidonic acid (AA), jasmonic acid (JA) and β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA). The application of the all tested elicitors increased the concentration of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids; especially, in comparison with control (457.62 μg g^?1 FW), the rosmarinic acid level significantly increased after AA and JA treatment ‐ 705.0 and 596.5 μg g^?1 FW, respectively. Phenolics from AA‐elicited plants showed the highest anti‐inflammatory activities designated as lipoxygenase (EC₅₀ = 1.67 mg FW mL^?1) and cyclooxygenase inhibition (EC₅₀ = 0.31 mg FW mL^?1). Elicitors' treatments (especially AA and JA) may be a very useful biochemical tool for improving the production of phenolic compounds in purple basil leaves.     

Optimization of extraction of phenolic content from hazelnut shell using response surface methodology

Response surface methodology was applied to predict the optimum conditions for extraction of phenolic compounds in hazelnut shell. The phenolic content in the shell extract was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin‐Ciocalteu method and expressed as gallic acid equivalent (mg GAE g^?1). Two central composite designs were used to investigate the effects of two independent variables, namely solvent composition (%) and extraction time (min), on phenolic extraction. In a first series of repeated batch extractions, the solvent consisted of different methanol percentages in distilled water at pH 4, while in a second series methanol was substituted by ethanol. The highest phenolic content (6.67 mg GAE g^?1 of shell) was predicted at the extraction conditions of 55.7% ethanol and 108.7 min. These best conditions, obtained and applied to 13 different cultivars, showed values varying from 9.18 mg GAE g^?1 of shell for Barcelona to 3.00 mg GAE g^?1 of shell for Tonda di Giffoni. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

The influence of ripening stage and cultivation system on the total antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds of yellow passion fruit pulp

BACKGROUND: This work aimed to investigate the influence of both ripening stage and cultivation system on the total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of passion fruit pulp. TPC extraction was optimized using a 2³ central composed design. The variables were fruit pulp volume, methanol volume and extraction solution volume. TPC was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reaction, and TAA using the ABTS radical reaction. RESULTS: The conditions to extract TPC were 2 mL passion fruit pulp and 9 mL extraction solution containing 40% methanol:water (v/v). TPC values increased in the passion fruit pulp during ripening for both cultivation systems, ranging from 281.8 to 361.9 mg gallic acid L^?1 (P?0.05) for the organic pulp and from 291.0 to 338.6 mg gallic acid L^?1 (P?0.05) for the conventional pulp. CONCLUSION: TPC values increased during ripening for both organic and conventional passion fruit. The same was true for TAA values for conventional passion fruit. For organic passion fruit, however, TAA values were highest at the initial ripening stages. These results suggest that antioxidant compounds exert strong influence on the initial ripening stages for organic passion fruit, when TPC still did not reach its maximum level. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant activity of pomegranate rind powder extract in cooked chicken patties

The radical scavenging activity, reducing power and phenolic composition of pomegranate rind powder extract (RP) were determined and antioxidant properties of RP was evaluated in cooked chicken patties compared with vitamin C (VC) during refrigerated storage. Freshly minced chicken meat were assigned to one of the following six treatments: control (meat without any antioxidant); RP 5, RP 10, RP 15 and RP 20 (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg equivalent RP phenolics 100 g^?1 meat, respectively) and VC 50 (50 mg VC 100 g^?1 meat). The RP exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher reducing power and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. Incorporation of RP into chicken patties significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the HunterLab L* values compared with control and VC patties. Total phenolic content (as tannic acid equivalent) significantly (P < 0.05) increased from 308 in control to 441 μg g^?1 in RP 20 patties. Addition of RP to chicken patties did not affect any of the sensory attributes. The values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced from 1.530 in control patties to 0.135 mg malonaldehyde kg^?1 samples in RP patties. Pomegranate rind powder extract treatment (RP 10, RP 15 and RP 20) substantially inhibited (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation in cooked chicken patties to a much greater extent than VC treatment. Therefore, pomegranate rind powder can be utilized as an excellent natural antioxidant source.     

Quantitative UPLC‐MS/MS analysis of chlorogenic acid derivatives in antioxidant fractionates from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root

While qualitative studies have identified chlorogenic acids in antioxidant extracts, particularly ethyl acetate‐derived extracts, of Taraxacum officinale, quantitative analysis of these phenolic compounds remains largely unreported for this species. In this study, bioactivity‐guided fractionation of an antioxidant crude ethyl acetate extract (DPPH = 295.481 ± 0.955 mg TE g^?1 extract) from T. officinale root resulted in a number of reverse‐phase fractions that demonstrated high antioxidant activity (DPPH = 1058.733–1312.136 mg TE g^?1 extract), stronger than that of the synthetic antioxidant Trolox^®. UPLC‐MS/MS screening of these fractions for the presence of selected mono‐ and di‐caffeoylquinic acids revealed large quantities of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid present in several fractions (853.052–907.324 μg mg^?1), respectively. Due to the antioxidant potency and high levels of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid observed in these fractions, it was concluded that specifically this chlorogenic acid derivative is a major contributor to the antioxidant efficacy of dandelion root.     

Extraction of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from Inga marginata Willd bark and pulp using different extraction techniques and phytochemical characterization

This study aimed to identify the least aggressive and highest yield extraction method to obtain bioactive compounds from Inga marginata Willd fruits, determine the chemical components, and evaluate the extracts’' antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. The extraction efficiency was expressed by the total phenolic and total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (DPPH, IC₅₀, and ORAC) using conventional, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted extraction. The highest bioactive compound content was achieved using 5 min at 60 °C for total phenolic content (214.98 mg GAE g⁻¹), total flavonoid content (22.90 mg EQ g⁻¹), DPPH (45.98 μmol TEAC g⁻¹), inhibitory capacity (0.80 mg mL⁻¹), and ORAC (167.25 μmol Trolox g⁻¹) using ultrasonic extraction, and the extract inhibited the growth of all microorganisms tested. Thirteen chemical compounds were determined by ESI-ToF-MS, confirming the high phytochemical capacity of the extract. Lastly, the Inga extract showed no cytotoxicity at the concentrations used.     

Antioxidant activities of different Teucrium montanum L. Extracts

The sequential extraction of Teucrium montanum L. was realised with five solvents of different polarities (70% methanol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n‐butanol) and HPLC method was used for identification of phenolic compounds. The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin–Ciocalteau procedure and range from 0 to 296 mg g^?1. The antioxidant activity of extracts was tested by measuring their ability to scavenge reactive hydroxyl radical during the Fenton reaction, using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Moreover, the influence of these extracts on lipid peroxyl radicals obtained during lipid peroxidation of: (1) sunflower oil (37 °C, 3 h) induced by 4,4′‐azobis(4‐cyanovaleric acid) (ACVA) and (2) liposomes induced by 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidino‐propane)dihydrochloride (AAPH) was studied. n‐Butanol extract, because of the highest content of total phenolic compounds (296 mg g^?1) had the best antioxidant activity (100% at 0.16 mg mL^?1 in Fenton reaction system; 90.57% at 5 mg mL^?1 in system I; 100% at 5 mg mL^?1 in system II).     

A comparative study on the polyphenolic content,antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity of different solvent extracts of Brassica oleracea vegetables

Brassica vegetables are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and glucosinolates. Investigation was undertaken to optimise the best solvents among 60% ethanol, acetone and methanol for the extraction of polyphenols from Brassica vegetables. Furthermore, different properties such as antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity were also investigated. Results showed that a 60% methanolic extract showed the highest total phenolic content which was 23.6, 20.4 and 18.7 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g^?1 extract for broccoli, Brussels sprouts and white cabbage, respectively. The hydroxybenzoic acid content of various solvent extracts ranged from 5.86 to 8.91 GAE g^?1 extract for broccoli, 2.70 to 5.44 GAE g^?1 extract for Brussels sprouts and 3.69 to 4.86 GAE g^?1 extract for white cabbage, while the hydroxycinnamic acid content ranged from 0.78 to 1.26 chlorogenic acid equivalents (CAE) g^?1 extract for broccoli, 1.41 to 3.45 CAE g^?1 extract for Brussels sprouts and 0.49 to 1.14 CAE g^?1 extract for white cabbage. A concentration‐dependent antioxidative capacity was confirmed for different reactive oxygen species, and moderate antibacterial activity was observed against a number of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive food spoilage and food pathogenic bacteria. Solvents significantly affected polyphenolic content and its different properties, and the methanol was found to be the best solvent for the extraction of polyphenols from studied Brassica vegetables.     

Enrichment of fresh pasta with antioxidant extracts obtained from artichoke canning by‐products by ultrasound‐assisted technology and quality characterisation of the end product

This work is aimed at: (i) analysing the extracts obtained from canning by‐products of three artichoke cultivars (Opal, Capriccio and Catanese) for antioxidant parameters; (ii) comparing UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS profile, colour, textural properties and cooking performance of fresh pasta enriched of the most antioxidant extract, with control pasta. The concentrated Catanese cv. extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity (1662 μmol Trolox equivalents L^?1) and the highest levels of luteolin‐7‐O‐rutinoside, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside and apigenin‐7‐O‐rutinoside compared to other cultivars. Fresh pasta enriched of Catanese extract showed higher (P < 0.05) phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (500 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 1324 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively) than control pasta (306 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 886 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively). The extract increased (P < 0.05) pasta brownness (from 19.93 to 23.34), and decreased yellowness (from 27.11 to 23.09), but did not alter textural and cooking parameters. So, pasta was a good vehicle to increase the antioxidant dietary intake.     

Bioactivities of essential oil and extract of Thymus argaeus,Turkish endemic wild thyme

BACKGROUND: Thymus argaeus Boiss. & Bal. (Lamiaceae), an endemic plant species of Turkey known as wild thyme, is traditionally used as a spice and a wild tea in the Inner Anatolia region of Turkey. In this study the composition of the essential oil and the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract and essential oil of T. argaeus were determined. RESULTS: The main components of the essential oil were linalool (499 g kg^?1), α‐terpineol (150 g kg^?1), linalyl acetate (97 g kg^?1) and thymol (94 g kg^?1). The total phenolic, flavanol and flavonol contents of the extract were 83.31 ± 0.59 mg gallic acid equivalent g^?1, 6.26 ± 0.00 mg catechin equivalent g^?1 and 28.81 ± 0.21 mg rutin equivalent g^?1 respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extract and essential oil determined by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging method were 830.18 ± 0.42 and 20.47 ± 2.3 mg g^?1 respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the extract and essential oil against 13 bacteria and two yeasts were studied by the agar diffusion method. The micro‐organisms most sensitive to the essential oil were Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the micro‐organism most sensitive to the extract was P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSION: Only the extract of T. argaeus could be used as a natural antioxidant, while both the extract and the essential oil could be useful as natural antimicrobial agents in food preservation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

An industrial approach in the search of natural antioxidants from vegetable and fruit wastes

Eleven fruit and vegetable byproducts and two minor crops were screened for industrial polyphenol exploitation potential by determination of their extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC, Folin–Ciocalteu), and antioxidant activity (NTZ/hypoxanthine superoxide assay, ferric thiocyanate method). Extracts with the highest activity, economic justification and phenolic content were obtained from apple (TPC maximum 48.6 ± 0.9 mg Gallic acid equivalents g⁻¹ dry extract), pear (60.7 ± 0.9 mg GAE g⁻¹), tomato (61.0 ± 3.0 mg GAE g⁻¹), golden rod (251.4 ± 7.0 mg GAE g⁻¹) and artichoke (514.2 ± 14.9 mg GAE g⁻¹). Apple, golden rod and artichoke byproducts were extracted at pilot plant scale and their antioxidant activity was confirmed by determination of their free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and the inhibition of stimulated linoleic acid peroxidation (TBA and Rancimat^® methods). The preservative effect of the three extracts (determination of the peroxide value in test crème formulations with 0.1–1.0% extract concentrations) was similar to the established antioxidants Oxynex^® 0.1%, Controx^® KS 0.15%, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) 0.01%. This study demonstrates the possibility of recovering high amounts of phenolics with antioxidant properties from fruit and vegetable residuals not only for food but also cosmetic applications.     

Characterization of Valuable Compounds from Winter Melon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Benincasa hispida</Emphasis> (Thunb.) Cogn.) Seeds Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction Combined with Pressure Swing Technique

In this study, we describe the extraction of different valuable compounds from winter melon seeds using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction combined with pressure swing technique (SCE-PST). The effects of the extraction variables, namely pressure, holding time (HT), and continuous extraction time (CT), were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize the crude extraction yield (CEY). The optimal conditions were at pressure of 181.35 bar, HT of 9.93 min, and CT of 50.14 min. Under these conditions, the experimental CEY was 235.70?±?0.11 mg g^?1 with a relatively strong antioxidant activity (64.42?±?0.21 % inhibition of DPPH^· radicals, 67.36?±?0.34 % inhibition of ABTS^·+ radicals) and considerable amount of phenolic compounds (42.77?±?0.40 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract). The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that the bioactive phenolic compounds increased significantly using PST (p?<?0.05), where gallic acid had the highest concentration (0.688?±?0.34 mg g^?1). The extract obtained using optimal SCE-PST conditions contained more than 83.65 % total unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and linoleic acid accounted for 67.33?±?0.22 % in the total extract. From the results, the SCE efficiency in terms of extract quantity and quality has been enhanced significantly applying PST. Finally, the results were compared with previous published findings using supercritical carbon dioxide, ultrasound-assisted, and Soxhlet extraction. It was found that higher CEY could be achieved using Soxhlet extraction even through the quality of SCE-PST extracts in terms of antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds was better.     

Antioxidant and anticancer capacity of saponin‐enriched Carica papaya leaf extracts

The papaya (Carica papaya) leaf (PL) contains high levels of saponins and polyphenolic compounds, and historically, it has been used as a folk medicine for numerous ailments, including cancer. PL is traditionally prepared by hot water extraction; however, optimised extraction conditions have not been assessed. This study optimised conditions for the extraction of saponins from PL and assessed their antioxidant capacity and antipancreatic cancer activity. Optimisation was achieved using response surface methodology. Saponins and total phenolic compounds were assessed for their antioxidant, free radical scavenging, ion‐reducing capacity, and antipancreatic cancer activity. Optimal aqueous extraction conditions were 85 °C, 25 min. and a water‐to‐leaf ratio of 20:1 mL g^?1. Ethanol extracts demonstrated higher antioxidant, free radical scavenging and ion‐reducing capacity, as well as antipancreatic cancer activity. This study revealed that the PL contains numerous bioactive compounds, with significant anticancer activity warranting further studies on the isolation and characterisation of individual bioactive compounds from the PL.