Influence of Solvent Type, Extraction Time, and Fruit Fraction on Phenolic Yield and Antibacterial Activity of Momordica cochinchinensis (Gac) Extracts
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Abstract
Plant-derived phenolic compounds have attracted increasing attention as natural antimicrobial agents due to growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance and consumer demand for safer, naturally sourced alternatives. This study investigated how solvent polarity and extraction duration influence the phenolic content and antibacterial activity of Momordica cochinchinensis (gac) extracts obtained from aril, pulp, and seeds. Three solvents (ethyl acetate, 95% ethanol, and water) and three extraction times (24, 48, and 72 h) were evaluated. Total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antibacterial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa through disk diffusion, MIC, and MBC assays. The ethyl acetate seed extract yielded the highest TPC (565 ± 1.15 µg GAE/mL at 72 h) and produced the most bioactive fractions across all sample types. Notably, antibacterial activity peaked at 48 h even though the TPC continued to increase up to 72 h, suggesting that prolonged extraction may reduce the stability or functional availability of certain phenolic constituents. The 48-hour ethyl acetate extracts exhibited broad-spectrum inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including strains typically more tolerant to plant-derived antimicrobials. Although the phytochemical composition of the aril, pulp, and seeds differs, they all provide meaningful antibacterial effects. The recovery of bioactive compounds from the seed, a commonly discarded byproduct, underscores the potential for valorizing underutilized biomass. These findings highlight the importance of solvent–time optimization and support the development of gac-derived natural antimicrobial agents for future food, cosmetic, and biomedical applications.
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