Abstract
Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction of phenolics from pericap of Myrtus communis using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The results were compared with those obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and conventional solvent extraction (CSE) methods. The individual compounds of the optimized extract obtained by UAE were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn). The yield of total phenolic compounds (TPC) was affected more significantly by ethanol concentration, irradiation time, liquid solvent-to-solid ratio (p < 0.0001) and amplitude (p = 0.0421) and optimal parameters conditions set by the RSM model were 70% (v/v), 7.5 min and 30%, respectively. The experimental yield of TPC (241.66 ± 12.77 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight) confirmed the predicted value (235.52 ± 9.9 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight), allowing also to confirm the model validity. Under optimized conditions, UAE was more efficient than MAE and CSE in extracting antioxidants, which comprised mostly myricetin glycosides. Globally, the present work demonstrated that, compared to MAE and CSE, UAE is an efficient method for phenolic extraction from M. communis pericarp, enabling to reduce the working time and the solvent consumption.
Highlights
The Myrtus genus, belonging to the Myrtaceae family, comprises about 50 species that are native of the Mediterranean basin
Myrtle berries are accepted as being rich in phenolic compounds, which in turn are associated to the fruits claimed health effects, including the prevention of degenerative diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases [4]
The experimental design and subsequent response allied to total phenolic compounds (TPC) are summarized in Table 1, with results from TPC recovery varying in the range of 79–235 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (DW)
Summary
The Myrtus genus, belonging to the Myrtaceae family, comprises about 50 species that are native of the Mediterranean basin. It is native to Southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia and widespread in the Mediterranean region. There has been a growing interest in the use of berry extracts as ingredients in functional foods and dietary [2]. Myrtle berries are accepted as being rich in phenolic compounds, which in turn are associated to the fruits claimed health effects, including the prevention of degenerative diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases [4]. Phenolic compounds are accepted as potent antioxidants due to their double bonds and hydroxyl groups, being capable of preventing the oxidation of free radicals that may damage physiological molecules cells, such as lipid proteins and DNA [5].
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