Enzyme-assisted Extraction for Optimized Recovery of Phenolic Bioactives from Peganum hermala Leaves Using Response Surface Methodology

This study investigates the effect of enzyme formulations (Zympex-014, Kemzyme dry-plus and Natuzyme) on recovery of phenolics from Peganum hermala (harmal) leaves, under optimized conditions using response surface methodology. As compared to the other enzyme complexes, the yield (34 g/100g) obtained through Zympex-014-assisted extraction was higher under optimized conditions such as time (75 min), temperature (70 degrees C), pH (6.5) and enzyme concentration (5g/100g) using central composite design (CCD). Effectiveness of Zympex-014 towards hydrolysis of P. hermala leaves cell wall was examined by analyzing the control and enzyme-treated leave residues using scanning electron microscope (SEM). GC/MS characterization authenticated the presence of quercetin (1.44), gallic acid (0.23), caffeic acid (0.04), cinnamic acid (0.05), m-coumaric acid (0.23) and p-coumaric acid (0.37 mu g/g) as the potent phenolics in Zympex-014 based extract. It can be concluded from the findings of the current work that pre-treatment of P. hermala leaves with Zympex-014 significantly enhanced the recovery of phenolics that supports its potential uses in the nutra-pharamaceutical industry.