Comparative study of three methods for extracting total polyphenols from the leaves of cymbopogon citratus (dc) stapf

Extraction is a very important step in the isolation and identification of secondary metabolites. It is influenced by several factors, notably the method used and the presence of interfering substances. This work aims to compare three extraction methods by assessing the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of Cymbopogon citratus leaf extracts. Extraction rates were determined using three extraction methods: maceration, infusion and decoction. The total polyphenol content of the extracts obtained was determined using a spectrophotometric method, and antioxidant activity was quantified using the DPPH and ABTS methods. The best extraction yield was recorded by decoction, with an average of 8.9%. However, infusion and maceration remain good extraction methods. Decoction is the best method for extracting total polyphenols, with a level of 16.82±0.18 mg EAG/mL. Concerning antioxidant activity, the extract obtained by decoction showed the highest antioxidant activity whatever the analytical method used. This study shows that extraction by decoction is the best method for extracting total polyphenols and obtaining the highest antioxidant capacity for this plant.