The objectives of this study were to determine best conditions for the extraction of phenolic compounds from fresh, frozen and lyophilized basil leaves. The acetone mixtures with the highest addition of acetic acid extracted most of the phenolic compounds when fresh and freeze-dried material have been used. The three times procedure was more effective than once shaking procedure in most of the extracts obtained from fresh basil leaves - unlike the extracts derived from frozen material. Surprisingly, there were not any significant differences in the content of phenolics between the two used procedures in the case of lyophilized basil leaves used for extraction. Additionally, the positive correlation between the phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity of the studied extracts has been noted. It is concluded that the acetone mixtures were more effective than the methanol ones for polyphenol extraction. The number of extraction steps in most of the cases was also a statistically significant factor affecting the yield of phenolic extraction as well as antioxidant potential of basil leaf extracts.
There are many scientific reports on determination of the content and biological activity of compounds found in food. However, these analyses are not sufficient to determine their effect on the human body. During digestion of food ingredients, many changes can modify their structure and this may affect their absorption and bioactivity. Many phenolic aglycones are hydrophilic and can be absorbed through biological membranes by diffusion. However, most polyphenols occur in the glycosidic form, which undoubtedly affects their absorption in the intestine. Oligopeptides are also absorbable via secondary active transport but based on the hydrogen ion gradient or with transporter PepT1. The bioavailability of phytochemicals is determined by their molecular weight or chemical structure and the food matrix. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to present the novel scientific reports related to the influence the many factors on digestibility, bioaccessibility and activity of selected bioactive compounds of plant origin.
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