Optimization of biologically active substances extraction process from Potentilla reptans L. aerial parts

European cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans L.) (Rosaceae) is very common in the Central Europe and Balkan Peninsula. Since ancient times the European cinquefoil have been traditionally used in herbal medicine for treatment of tooth ache, ulcers and inflammation of the throat, as well as certain forms of cancer, infections due to bacteria, fungi and viruses, diarrhea, diabetes mellitus and other ailments. Most species of genus Potentilla contain hydrolysable tannins, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and triterpenes as bioactive substances. The aim of this study was to establish the most suitable condition for extraction of biologically active substances from Potentilla reptans aerial parts. The influence of the time of the ultrasonic extraction and solvent concentration (ethanol-water) in different ratio over the extraction process was studied. The optimal conditions for the extraction of biologically active substances from European cinquefoil were as follow: 40% ethanol-water as solvent system and extraction time 45 min in ultrasonic bath with frequency 35 kHz. Under these conditions the maximum values of total polyphenols content, total proanthocyanidins and total hydrolysable tannins (60.2 mg GAE/ g dw, 93.1 mg LE/100g dw, 101.3 mg TAE /g dw) were obtained.