Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents, Anti-tyrosinase and Antioxidant Activities of Pachyrhizus erosus Extracts

Abstract

Background: The storage roots of Pachyrhizus erosus (PE) have been traditionally used as a skin whitening agent in Indonesia and are also consumed fresh in many Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand. However, research on the biological activities of PE is limited. Objective: This study aimed to measure the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and to test the anti-tyrosinase and antioxidant activities of PE extracts. The Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric, the Aluminium chloride colorimetric, the DPPH scavenging, and the Dopachrome assays were used for the experiments. Results: The dichloromethane extract had the highest anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50= 2.08 ± 0.40 mg/mL), total flavonoid content (9.93 ± 0.02 mg QE/g extract), and antioxidant activity (IC50= 40 ± 0.02 μg/mL). The largest total phenolic concentration was found in the 80% ethanol extract, albeit (11.97 ± 0.55 mg GAE/g extract). Conclusion: Based on its remarkable activities, the dichloromethane extract is recommended for future development in skinlightening products. The study's findings conclude that PE extracts may be used as an alternate source of antioxidants and anti-tyrosinase agents. Key words: Pachyrhizus erosus, Total phenolic content, Total flavonoid content, Anti-tyrosinase, Free radical scavenging