Ecofriendly Antioxidant Activity of Benjakasorn Formula Combined with Chamomile, Goji Berry, and Stevia: Extraction Time Optimization and Phytochemical Synergy
The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of two different extraction times (15 min and 30 min) on the extraction yield of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of various Benjakasorn formula mixed with Chamomile, Goji berry and Stevia. Decoction extracts were tested for TPC, TFC, DPPH radical scavenging, and FRAP antioxidant power. Performance of multi-herb preparations was prominent, the highest yield (26%), TPC (145 mg GAE/g), TFC (200 mg QE/g), and FRAP (145 mg TEAC/g) were reached at 30 min for BJKCMLBSR indicating synergistic effect. Single herbs were somewhat inconsistent in their responses (eg, M ferrea retained high yield, 25% and TPC, whereas B degenerated with long extraction time). Antioxidant activity significantly correlated with phenolic/flavonoid content (r = -0.98-0.92) and 30-min extracts demonstrated high DPPH scavenging (e.g., BJKCMLBSR IC₅₀: 75 μg/mL). Kinetics-based factors were thermal degradation, solubility of compound and matrix effect. The optimum extraction condition was formulation-recipe dependent (the former for multi-component and latter for heat-sensitive single herbs), which gave important reference to realizing maximum recovery of bioactive compounds.