Arbutin Analysis in Leaves, Fruit and Branches of Pyrus Anatolica, Method Optimization

Abstract

Arbutin is found in various plant species belonging to diverse families, such as Lamiaceae,
Ericaceae, Saxifragaceae and Rosaceae. It inhibits tyrosinase and has been employed as a
cosmetic skin whitening agent. Pyrus anatolica, which is endemic to Turkey, is a species
of plant in the Rosaceae family. It also contains arbutin like other members of the family.
In this study, Analytical method was developed and optimized in order to analyze arbutin
in leaves, fruits and branches of Pyrus anatolica. The response surface methodology was
used for the extraction of arbutin from this endemic plant. Experimental design was
performed using the Box–Behnken design, and the evaluated parameters were extraction
temperature (X1), extraction time (X2) and methanol concentration (X3) for the
achievement of high extraction yield of the arbutin. The optimized experimental
conditions for extraction were extraction temperature of 43.72 °C, methanol
concentration of 48.57% and extraction time of 39.33 min. By using this optimized
conditions, the experimental yield of arbutin is 4.74%, which is well matched with the
predicted yield of 4.69%. After finding optimal conditions, real sample extraction
experiments were repeated 6 times and then, average with relative standard deviation
was calculated. Results were appropriate for the statistical evaluation.