Simultaneous Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in the Leaves and Roots of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. Using HPLC-PDA with Various Extraction Solvents

This study investigated the extraction and quantification of specific phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid and several pyranocoumarin derivatives, from the leaves and roots of Peucedanum japonicum. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, this study aimed to optimize extraction methodologies with different solvents to maximize the yield of bioactive compounds. The extraction process involved meticulous steps, including reflux extraction and solvent evaporation, and the total phenolic content was assessed using a spectrophotometric assay. The results demonstrated that ethanol and methanol were effective in extracting chlorogenic acid, yielding a total phenolic content of up to 47.71 mg/g tannic acid equivalent in MeOH extracts from roots. Conversely, acetone was superior for pyranocoumarin extraction, achieving a total coumarin content exceeding 100 mg/g in root extracts. Notably, pyranocoumarins were found to be more concentrated in the roots compared to leaves, supporting the hypothesis that roots are a reservoir for these bioactive compounds. This study emphasized the critical roles of solvent selections in profiling bioactive compounds from P. japonicum and provided valuable insights for future research into its pharmacological potential. The findings may serve as a foundation for further pharmacological studies, enhancing the understanding of the medicinal properties of P. japonicum in the context of traditional East Asian medicine.