Effect of different extraction solvents on bioactive phenolics and antioxidant potential of Illicium griffithii fruit

The fruits of Illicium griffithii are of medicinal and economic importance. In this study, five solvents viz. methanol, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and water at 20–100% concentration analyzed for phenolic content (TPC and TFC) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS) of I. griffithii fruit. TPC was highest (40.06±0.48 mg GAE/g dw) in 80% MeOH, and TFC was highest (6.58±0.12 mg QE/g dw) in 100% EtOAc extracts. The antioxidant activities were higher in extract(s) with 100% of each solvent (93.35–94.27% inhibition) and highest in 100% EtOAc extracts. A total of 7 phenolic compounds, viz. gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, and phloridzin, were identified in different solvent extracts. 100% MeOH extracted the highest content of gallic acid (2.54 mg/g) and catechin (2.59 mg/g). The ATR-FTIR spectra showed the presence of aliphatic, aromatic, and phenolic groups. The TGA analysis exposed volatile matter, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content. The FESEM analysis also revealed the morphological changes in treated samples. The extraction efficacy of phenolic compounds was better in extracts with higher concentration of solvents (60% −100%). The fruit is a rich source of phenolics and antioxidants; thus, it can provide multiple industrial benefits.