Extraction Optimization, Preliminary Identification, and Bioactivities in Corn Silk

Abstract

For thousands of years, corn silk has been widely used as an antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic and for other effects, but there is a lack of studies that correlate the extracts of flavonoid composition with their biological activities. Thus, the objectives of this study were to optimize the conditions for extracting flavonoids, identify flavonoids, and correlate the flavonoid composition with the biological activities in corn silk. The response surface experiments showed that the highest flavonoid content was predicted at 45.321 min, 57.349°C, 26.089 mL/g, and 71.269%, respectively. The verification experiment results under these optimized conditions showed an ultrasonic time of 45 min, an ultrasonic temperature of 57°C, a liquid-to-material ratio of 26, and an ethanol volume fraction of 70%. No significant differences (the relative error is 4.378%) were observed between the theoretical and experimental TFC values, indicating that the developed models were accurate. Under these optimum extraction conditions, 20 major compounds were identified and quantified by UPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap MS. Furthermore, these optimum ethanol extracts of corn silk are effective against Bacillus subtilis and hypoglycemic activity compared with the traditional heating reflux extraction method. Six corn silk components seem to be the main contributors to the inhibitory effect against Bacillus subtilis and hyperglycemia activities. These results are useful for the application of corn silk in the food or pharmaceutical industry.

Valorization of Corn Silk as an Agricultural By-Product through the Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

“…There have been some previous studies regarding different optimization of extraction techniques applied to CS, aiming to optimize the extraction yield of flavonoids [44], polysaccharides using simple extraction [45], or pulsed electric field extraction [46]. Furthermore, we have chosen to develop a mathematical model using two dependent variables, specifically TFC and ABTS, aiming to maximize (a) the total yield of flavonoid species and (b) the total antioxidant activity of the phytocompounds that are successfully extracted.…”

Mechanism of flavonoids in the treatment of gouty arthritis (Review)

“…Furthermore, western blotting results indicated that the extract primarily decreased serum UA by influencing GLUT9, OAT1 and URAT1, and by inhibiting XOD activity in mice (48). Corn silk, the style and stigma of the gramineous plant Zea mays L., also known as Yu Shu Li Rui, is both a traditional food and medicine in China, with flavonoids being its most effective components (49). These flavonoids, found in high concentrations in all parts of the corn plant (50), can reduce UA levels in hyperuricemia, effectively treating gout and gouty arthritis (51).…”

Metabolomics Profiles of Solid State and Submerge Fermentation of Corn Silk using Mixed Microbes

“…Corn silk contains important phenolic compounds that may fight dementia. The bioactive compounds of corn silk have demonstrated antioxidant, antimutagenic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antihyperlipidemic, antidepressant, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antiadipogenic, and anti-fatigue activities [1,6]. In addition, research Trends Sci.…”