Pressurized n-propane extraction improves bioactive compounds content, fatty acid profile, and biological activity of Mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru DC.) seed oil

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds content, fatty acid profile, and biological activity of Mandacaru seed oil obtained using n-propane at different pressures (45, 75, or 105 Bar, 40 °C) or conventional technique (Soxhlet method). The oil yield was similar among the treatments (17.78–20.45 %) but using n-propane resulted in shorter processing times (50 min vs. 8 h) and solvent consumption (25 % less). Furthermore, the oil obtained with pressurized n-propane, mainly at 105 Bar, showed a better fatty acid profile (higher polyunsaturated fatty acid contents and lowered saturated fatty acid), a higher concentration of bioactive compounds (γ-sitosterol and γ-tocopherol), and lower free fatty acid content than that obtained by conventional technique. Furthermore, it showed superior health indices (lower hypercholesterolemic saturated fatty acid, thrombogenic, and atherogenic, and higher desirable fatty acid indices). Finally, it presented higher antidiabetic properties (13.87 % higher inhibition of α-glucosidase). In conclusion, pressurized n-propane extraction improved the bioactive compound content, fatty acid profile, and biological activity of mandacaru seed oil, mainly at 105 Bar. Our results demonstrate that mandacaru seeds can be an important source of oils with essential chemical composition and biological activity, which can stimulate the production of this fruit and its utilization.