Effect of extraction techniques on total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant potential of various plant parts of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

Selection of a suitable extraction technique is very important for the extraction of phytochemicals in maximum recovery and removal of undesirable constituents. Hence, the present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of extraction techniques viz. microwave assisted extraction, soxhlet extraction, homogenization and column chromatography towards the extraction of phytochemicals as well as on the antioxidant potential of extracts produced from different plant parts (viz. whole plant and seeds) of Chicory. Extracts prepared by using soxhlet technique had the highest extract yield, total phenolics content, flavonoids content as well as exhibited highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity followed by column chromatography, microwave assisted and homogenization techniques. Among plant parts of Chicory; total phenolics, flavonoids, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity were higher of whole plant extracts in comparison to seeds extracts. Significant correlation was observed between phytochemicals (total phenolics, flavonoids) and antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging activity & total antioxidant capacity).