Solvent-dependent phytochemical profiling and DPPH-scavenging activity of Cichorium intybus leaf extracts

Abstract

The antioxidant activity of Cichorium intybus leaves stems from its polyphenolic substances, whose extraction is heavily solvent-dependent. Limited research quantitatively compares solvent polarity with radical-scavenging activity and phytochemical yield. Leaves were extracted into methanol, ethanol, acetone, and chloroform under controlled conditions (1 g leaf powder in 20 mL solvent, macerated for 72 h at room temperature). Spectrophotometric assays measured Total Phenolic content, Total Flavonoid content, and Tannin concentration. Methanol yielded the greatest Total Phenolic content (15.97±0.45 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), Total Flavonoid content (5.76±0.40 mg quercetin equivalent/g), and Tannin content (1.45±0.12 mg tannic acid equivalent/g). Radical scavenging was superior with methanolic extract (with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 152.91±1.17 µg/mL). Correlation analysis revealed that Total Phenolic content was the strongest predictor of antioxidant activity (R² = 0.93). Methanol is the optimal solvent for extracting antioxidant-rich phenols from C. intybus leaves, and phenolics are the principal agents responsible for the observed DPPH radical-scavenging activity.