Optimization of Portulaca oleracea L. extract using response surface methodology and artificial neural network and characterization of bioactive compound by high-resolution mass spectroscopy

The well-known medicinal plant Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) is used as a traditional medicine and culinary herb to treat various diseases. Fatty acids, essential oils, and flavonoids were extracted from PO seeds and leaves using ultrasonic, microwave, and supercritical fluid extraction with RSM techniques. However, investigations on the secondary metabolites and antioxidant capabilities of the aerial part of PO (APO) are scarce. In order to extract polyphenols and antioxidants from APO as effectively as possible, this study used heat reflux extraction (HRE), response surface methodology (RSM), and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. It also used high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify the APO secondary metabolite. A central-composite design (CCD) was used to establish the ideal ethanol content, extraction time, and extraction temperature to extract the highest polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity from APO. According to RSM, the highest amount of TPC (8.23 ± 1.06 mgGAE/g), TFC (43.12 ± 1.15 mgCAE/g), DPPH-scavenging activity (43.01 ± 1.25 % of inhibition) and FRAP (35.98 ± 0.19 µM ascorbic acid equivalent) were obtained at 60.0 % ethanol, 90.2 % time, and 50 °C. Statistical metrics such as the coefficient of determination (R²), root-mean-square error (RMSE), absolute average deviation (AAD), and standard error of prediction (SEP) revealed the ANN's superiority. Ninety-one (91) secondary metabolites, including phenolic, flavonoids, alkaloids, fatty acids, and terpenoids, were discovered using high-resolution mass spectrometry. In addition, 21 new phytoconstituents were identified for the first time in this plant. The results revealed a significant concentration of phytoconstituents, making it an excellent contender for the pharmaceutical and food industries.