Multi-response optimization of enzyme-assisted maceration to enhance the yield and antioxidant activity of Cassia fistula pods extracts

Abstract

In this study, by applying response surface methodology (RSM) maceration conditions including enzyme concentration (A), incubation time (B), temperature (C) and pH were optimized for the liberation of Cassia fistula pod phenolics (CFPP) along with their retained antioxidant character. Briefly, mature Cassia fistula pods (CFP) were macerated under various conditions: A: 3–5%, B: 60–90 min, C: 40–70 °C and D: 5.5–8.5 and extract obtained thus were simultaneously evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), free radical scavenging capacity (FRSC), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation (ILP) and ferric reducing power (FRP). The solution having highest desirability endorsed treatment of CFP with 3.40% acid cellulose enzyme at 55.11 °C and 6.1 pH for 75 min, which offered an extract yield 31.66 g/100 g containing 165.63 milligram gallic acid equivalents TPC/g of CFP with appreciable level of FRSC (DPPH IC50 6.50 mg/mL), TEAC (282.64 mg TE/g of extract), ILP (55.61%), and FRP of 0.68.. Exclusively it could be acclaimed that a carefully optimized enzyme pre-treatment may furnish good quantity and quality of polyphenols.