Effects of extraction and drying techniques on the chemical composition and biological activities of Helichrysum italicum

In this study, the impact of different drying processes, conventional air-drying (S) and freeze drying (F), on biochemical composition and biological activity of extracts of Helichrysum italicum obtained by using traditional (maceration- MAC) and modern extraction techniques (ultrasound (UAE) and microwave (MAE) extraction) was screened. The total phenol content of examined extracts yield in range of 49.7–119.77 mg GAE/g, while total flavonoid content yield in range of 2.92–21.96 mg RE/g. Qualitative and quantitative analysis showed that rutin and quercetin are the components that are present in all extracts in high amount. Radical scavenging activity was confirmed by DPPH and ABTS tests, and reduction ability by FRAP and CUPRAC tests. Total antioxidant activity and chelating ability of the extracts were also confirmed. While ethanol extracts (E) exhibited higher anti-acetylcholinesterase, water extracts (W) were more active in butyrylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition. All extracts were found to inhibit tyrosinase, amylase and glucosidase enzymes. Microwave extraction technique was found to be better extraction technique and air-drying more effective drying process for isolation of phenolic compounds and biological activity of Helichrysum italicum.