Simultaneous ultrasonication on the extraction, antioxidant capacity, and α-glucosidase inhibition activity of polysaccharide from burdock (Arctium lappa L.)

• Burdock resulted in 44.05% inulin with simultaneous ultrasonication. • Aqueous and ethanolic extracts demonstrated α-glucosidase activity and the ability to absorb glucose. • MIC 50 values for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays demonstrated a strong antioxidant potential in the ethanolic extract of burdock root. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of extraction modes on the yield of polysaccharides from burdock roots ( Arctium lappa ), and to assess their properties. Various extraction techniques, including ultrasound-assisted extraction with water and ethanol, were employed to determine the total polysaccharide and inulin content. The antioxidant capacity, the glucose adsorption capacity and α-glucosidase inhibition activity were assessed to explore potential antidiabetic effects. The results revealed that ultrasound-assisted ethanolic extraction yielded the highest inulin content (up to 44.05%), although water extracts exhibited greater inulin solubility. The total phenolic content ranged from 29.99 to 39.25 mg GAE/g, with significant antioxidant activity observed, particularly after 2 h of sonication (IC 50 values of 8.57 mg/mL for DPPH and 8.78 mg/mL for ABTS). Additionally, the extracts demonstrated substantial glucose adsorption and α-glucosidase inhibition (30% to 47% inhibition), indicating potential for managing postprandial blood glucose levels and acts as natural antioxidants and antidiabetic agents.