Comparison of Different Methods in Quercetin Extraction from Leaves of Raphanus sativus L.

Background: Raphanus sativus (Radish) is a plant of the Brassicaceae

family which is grown worldwide. This plant has been used in Iranian

traditional medicine as a laxative, abortifacient and also recently as

anti-tumor, anti-proliferative and anti-diabetic agent.

Quercetin, the most important flavonoid which is found

in this plant, serves as an antioxidant and as a result an anticancer agent.

Methods: The present study was designed to compare extraction

efficiency of different methods with various solvents in quercetin extraction

from R. sativus leaves. The analysis of extracts was performed

using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the quantification was

carried out by the use of quercetin calibration curve.

Results: In consequence, Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE)

method at 50% of ultrasound intensity (Frequency of 50/60 KHz) for 10 min in

methanol proved to be the most efficient technique in quercetin extracting

(11.8% yield).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated the optimized condition for

quercetin extraction from R. sativus leaves, which is due to promoting

larger agitation (cavitation) in UAE method.