Abstract

Capacity of the analytical/quantitative evaluation techniques to satisfy both qualitative and quantitative consider-ations for effective extraction of marigold oleoresins/xanthophylls and their potential as anti-mycotic and antioxidant activity was assessed. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), Soxhlet extraction (SE), Supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE), Cold extraction (CE), and ultrasonically assisted extraction (USE) techniques were evaluated for extraction of oleoresin/xanthophyll content from Tagetes erecta (Var. Pusa Narangi Genda) with respect to solvent consumption, extraction time, reproducibility, and yield. Followed by the anti-fungal and antioxidant activity evaluation. The overall yield of Tagetes oleoresin was higher in ASE (64.5 g/kg) followed by SE (57.3 g/kg), USE (50.7 g/kg), SCFE (45.3 g/kg) and CE (31.6 g/kg). The lutein esters represented more than 80% of the constituents. Further, xanthophyll/ lutein content in oleoresin was found to be quite higher in HPLC (r 2 =0.996) analysis than in the AOAC recommended UV spectrophotometer analysis. The oleoresin exhibited moderate antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) and antifungal activity against three phytopathogenic fungi. Based on the various parameters, the reproducibility of ASE was better (0.3–8.0%) than that of SE (0.5–12.9%), SCFE (0.2–9.4%), USE (0.3–12.4%) and CE (0.8–15.3%). ASE with (RSD 1.6%) is preferred being faster, reproducible, uses less solvent, robust and automation allows sequential extraction of the sample in less time.