Microwave assisted extraction of flavonoids from pomegranate peel and its antioxidant activity

Pomegranate peel, a waste generated from fruit processing industry, which contains maximum amounts of bioactive compounds than the juice, is a potential source of active ingredient such as flavonoids that are known for their antioxidant properties. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of flavonoids from pomegranate peel and its antioxidant activity were investigated. Three independent and main variables, including ethanol concentration(%), solvent/solid ratio(mL/g) and MAE time(min), which were of significance for the yields of flavonoids were studied. The optimal conditions were determined by the orthogonal design. The maximum extraction yield of 4.260% was achieved at ethanol concentration of 60%, ratio of solvent to material of 40:1 and MAE time of 3min. In vitro antioxidant assays showed that the extract exhibited a strong DPPH radical-scavenging ability with IC50 value of 0.187 mg/mL. Results indicated that MAE was a suitable approach for the extraction of flavonoids from pomegranate peel