Extractive optimization of bioactive compounds in aerial parts of cuphea carthagenensis using Box-Behnken experimental design

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Cuphea carthagenensis is known for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to triterpenes, flavonoids, and tannins. This study aimed to optimise the extraction process for aerial parts of C. carthagenensis using vortex extraction. A Box-Behnken experimental design coupled with response surface methodology was employed to evaluate the effects of three independent variables: sample-to-solvent ratio, velocity, and temperature. The optimised extract underwent phytochemical screening and assessment of its antimicrobial capacity. The highest extraction yields were obtained through maceration (22.84%) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (21.95%). However, the extract by vortex extraction exhibited significantly higher phenolic content (250.17 µgEAG gext−1) and antioxidant capacity. The optimal extraction conditions were identified as a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:35, 12,000 rpm, and a temperature of 60 °C. The optimised extract was characterised by a predominance of glycosylated flavonoids and demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity, particularly against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis.