The effects of different extraction solvents of varying polarities on polyphenols of Orthosiphon stamineus and evaluation of the free radical-scavenging activity

Leaf powder of Orthosiphon stamineus was extracted with the following solvents; distilled water, 50% aqueous methanol, methanol, 70% aqueous acetone and chloroform, at 2, 4 and 8 h, respectively, on a water bath at 40°C. The extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative HPLC analyses of the polyphenols, the most dominant chemical constituents in the leaf. Chloroform extraction from 4 to 8 h at 40°C gave the highest amount of sinensetin and eupatorin. The extraction with 70% aqueous acetone extracts at 4 and 8 h gave a high yield of 3′-hydroxy-5,6,7,4′-tetramethoxyflavone. The yield of rosmarinic acid was high in 50% methanol extracts at 2, 4 and 8 h of extraction. The extracts were screened for free radical-scavenging potential, using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl in vitro model system. The extracts exhibited significant radical-scavenging activity and the acetone extracts showed the highest activity.