Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate chemical composition, total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and elemental composition of dandelion root extracts collected from an urban area. Three extraction techniques were applied using 70%v/v ethanol as a solvent – maceration, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted extraction, each performed at solvomodule of 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20. The application of LC-MS analysis allowed identification of numerous bioactive compounds from the group of polyphenols, which provided an insight into the composition and biological potential of the extracts. The DPPH and FRAP assays were used to assess antioxidant potential, while total phenolics and flavonoids were quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 colorimetric methods, respectively. The results showed that microwave-assisted extraction achieved the highest extractive matter yield (7.1 mg/ml), phenolic content (22.21 mgGAE/g d.e.), and flavonoid content (10.88 mgRE/g d.e.), accompanied by the highest antioxidant activity. ICP-OES analysis confirmed the presence of essential macroelements in significant amounts; it also revealed the presence of heavy metals, with arsenic and mercury significantly exceeding the limits set by EU Regulation. The presented results showed that the biological potential of the isolated extracts must be considered in light of safety from the aspect of the heavy metal composition.