Chemical Composition and Bioactivities of Low-Grade Betel (Piper betle L.) Leaf Extracts
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Abstract
Betel leaf (Piper betle L.) is an important economic crop in Phatthalung Province, Thailand. After grading for export, more than one ton of low-grade betel leaves is discarded daily. This study aimed to extract bioactive compounds, analyze the chemical composition, and evaluate the biological activities of low-grade betel leaf extract. The extraction was carried out using 95% ethanol assisted by ultrasonication. The chemical composition of the extract was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were also determined. The chromatogram revealed ten major compounds, with phytol, neophytadiene, and tolycaine as the predominant components, while phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)-, eugenol and ergost-5-en-3-ol were identified as minor constituents. The extract exhibited a total phenolic content of 559.66 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content of 48.36 mg QE/g. The result showed antioxidant activity against both DPPH (IC50=35.53 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50=95.63 µg/mL), and also inhibited nitric oxide production (IC50=1,075.75 µg/mL), indicating anti-inflammatory potential. The extract also exhibited antimicrobial activity, inhibiting and killing Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy confirmed cell wall and membrane disruption in bacterial cells. These findings suggest that low-grade betel leaf extract possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, highlighting its potential as a valuable raw material for the future development of health and cosmeceutical products, and its ability to add value to waste generated from export grading.
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