Optimization of Accelerated Solvent Extraction of Carthamus Caeruleus L. Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts

Optimization of natural compounds extraction from Algerian Carthamus Caeruleus L was studied using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). The optimization study was performed using three solvents (ethanol, methanol and hexane) and with a temperature range (40-50 °C), a static extraction time (30-50 min) and a cycle number (1-5) as independent variables. The optimum ASE conditions for a maximum extraction yield for each solvent were estimated, the plant pores shape and structures before and after solvents extraction were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The extracts phytochemical analyses was assessed by gaz chromatography coupled to the mass spectroscopy (GCMS). We determined the total phenolic compounds presents in the extracts and by the Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assessed the antioxidant activity. We studied the anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw edema method on balb/c mice. The higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect were observed with ethanol as solvent with an EC50 of 1.51 mg/ml and up to 66.67% of swelling inhibition after 4 h. Our findings results suggest that carthamus caeruleus L. contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds related to the total phenolic compounds present in the roots extracts in a good level, these compounds could be tested against oxidative and inflammation-related deseases as drug candidates.