Three-solvent extracting method comprehensively evaluates phenolics profile and antioxidant activities of Tartary buckwheat

A three-solvent extracting method, which consist of 80% acetone, ethyl acetate, and 70% ethanol extracting procedures, was adopted to evaluate phenolics profile and antioxidant activities of Tartary buckwheat. Phenolics profile of Tartary buckwheat was determined using HPLC. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid were detected in 80% acetone extracts, 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid was detected in ethyl acetate extracts, rutin and quercetin were detected in 70% ethanol extracts, rutin was the dominant phenolic compound, and the contents ranged from 1,902.0 to 2,402.8 mg/100 g DW. Antioxidant activities of Tartary buckwheat were determined using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, 70% ethanol extracts showed a higher antioxidant activity than 80% acetone and ethyl acetate, respectively. These results suggested that the three-solvent extracting method is more comprehensive than independent one in evaluating phenolics profile and antioxidant activities of Tartary buckwheat. Practical applications The three-solvent extracting method can be used to evaluate functional properties of Tartary buckwheat.