Abstract
Polyphenols are an important class of bioactive compounds with many pharmacological effects: antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antitumoral, antimicrobial and antiviral effect. This study aimed to optimizing the microwave assisted extraction (MAE) of polyphenols from Melissa officinalis vitroplants by maximizing the total polyphenols content of the extracts. The concentration of extraction solvent, temperature and time of extraction were optimized parameters in the experiment. The following optimum extraction parameters were established: plant material/solvent ratio 1/10 (w/V), extraction solvent ethanol 70%, extraction temperature 40°C, extraction time 10 minutes, microwave power 250 W, magnetic stirring 200 rpm. By using MAE were obtained extracts rich in polyphenols which can replace synthetic antioxidants and can be used in the food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry.