Effect of Different Extraction Solvents on the Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Brassica oleracea var. italica

This study offers an alternative solution for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases caused by free radicals. The objective was to evaluate the effect of different solvents on the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli). Methods: The sample, consisting of stems and florets of Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli), were collected from the Chocas community in Carabayllo, Lima, Peru. Three extracts were prepared using different solvents, including a mixture of ethanol and water. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was evaluated using two specific assays (DPPH and ABTS). Additionally, the correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was analyzed. Results: The hydroethanolic extract demonstrated the highest phenolic content, with 686.02 mg GAE/100 g dry matter). It also exhibited strong antioxidant activity, measuring 1035.81 mg TE/100 g DM in the DPPH assay and 6506.94 mg TE/100 g DM in the ABTS assay. Conclusion: The highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Brassica oleracea var. italica were found in the hydroethanolic extract, which showed a significant high correlation. Frequent consumption of broccoli in the diet is recommended due to its high values.