Abstract
A comparative study of bioactive lipids extraction from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds using conventional petroleum-based solvent and green solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) was performed. MeTHF extraction allowed obtaining the highest oil yield in black cumin (34%). Regarding fatty acids composition, linoleic acid (61%) and α-linolenic (78%) were relevant in black cumin and basil green and conventionally extracted oils, respectively. Besides, MeTHF allowed obtaining higher tocopherols and total phenolics contents in black cumin (400 mg/kg of oil and 12 mg EGA/g oil) and basil (317 mg/kg oil and 5 mg EGA/g oil) compared to hexane-extracted ones. The content of major phenolic compounds in the two seed oils, trans-hydroxycinnamic acid, rosmarinic acid, and thymol was enhanced by MeTHF extraction. Furthermore, MeTHF-extracted oils possess stronger antioxidant activities (radical scavenging, total antioxidant, and β-carotene bleaching activities) and high and similar anti-inflammatory capacity to hexane-extracted oils. In conclusion, the results revealed that MeTHF is efficient to replace hazardous solvents to extract oil from black cumin and basil seeds rich in compounds relevant to the human diet, including essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 and n-3), tocopherols, and phenolic compounds with improved biological activities.
Highlights
In recent years, the demand for edible oils is steadily growing due to their importance for the nutritional security of the global population
Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds were obtained from Menzel Temim (Northeast of Tunisia) in July 2018, while basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds were purchased from Kairouan (Center of Tunisia) in September 2018
These results are in close agreement with the oil yield of Tunisian black cumin reported by Cheikh-Rouhou et al [14] after soxhlet extraction using hexane
Summary
The demand for edible oils is steadily growing due to their importance for the nutritional security of the global population. Functional lipids are responsible for the health benefits of oils. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory activity and are associated with the reduction of the risk for chronic diseases [1]. Phenolic compounds are among the health-promoting phytochemicals. They draw attention due to their antioxidant activity. Dietary intake of these compounds contributes to a reduction in the risk of chronic disorders like cancer and heart diseases. Vanillic, and chlorogenic acids as well as tyrosol, quercetin, kaempferol, and catechin have been identified in various seed oils [3]. Tocopherols are natural lipophilic with health benefits. They act as potent antioxidants preventing autoxidation in fats. Tocopherols exhibit biological activities such as neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties [4]
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