Study on the optimization of extraction technology and the antioxidant effect of proanthocyanidins from Picea koraiensis Nakai's cones

The purpose of the study was the optimization of the process for the extraction of proanthocyanidins from Picea koraiensis Nakai's cones with the response surface method and evaluation of antioxidant activity. The results showed the optimum condition for the extraction of proanthocyanidins from Picea koraiensis Nakai's cones was obtained:ethanol concentration of 60%, extraction temperature of 51℃, extraction time 2h, the ratio of material to solvent 1∶44 (g/mL) . Under these conditions, the maximum extraction rate of proanthocyanidins was up to (71.23±0.25) mg/g. The results showed that the purified proanthocyanidins possessed relatively strong reducing power and capacity of scavenging free radicals. The reducing power and capacity of scavenging ABTS+· was stronger than the positive control Trolox. Picea koraiensis Nakai's cones which contains of proanthocyanidins with a strong antioxidant activities needs further study.