Solvent-free Extract Research Articles

Black Mulberries (Morus nigra L.) Modulate Oxidative Stress and Beta-Amyloid-Induced Toxicity, Becoming a Potential Neuroprotective Functional Food.

Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) is a common edible fruit from the Moraceae family with a wide variety of nutritional and medicinal applications, mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this work was to investigate the cytoprotective and neuroprotective capacity of a hydrophilic black mulberry solvent-free extract rich in polyphenols, including the antioxidant, antiradical, and enzymatic mechanisms that would explain these effects. Its neuroprotective potential was evaluated in vitro using the Neuro-2a cell line and in vivo through the Caenorhabditis elegans organism model. Neuro-2a cells were treated at different concentrations of the extract (25-500 µg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide (300 µM) as an oxidant agent, simultaneously. From these treatments, redox status (intracellular ROS production) and cellular activity (MTT) were also quantified in Neuro-2a. Regarding the C. elegans assay, the protection of the extract against β-amyloid toxicity was measured against the CL4176 strain, which is a model of Alzheimer disease. As a complementary neuroprotective assay, its potential to inhibit the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) enzyme was measured. In addition, an Artemia salina bioassay was performed for preliminary toxicity screening. And its antioxidant properties were evaluated by means of the FRAP assay. The results confirm its neuroprotective potential and its ability to scavenge free radicals and decrease ROS production, also acting as a moderate MAO-A inhibitor. Moreover, the polyphenolic extract alleviates the toxicity induced by β-amyloid accumulation in C. elegans. Concluding, Morus nigra can be considered a functional food with bioactive compounds that may prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Efficient and green esterification approach for determining of sodium alkylbenzene sulfonates in dry extracts

Linear alkylbenzenesulfonate is an anionic surfactant widely used in detergents and cleaners, both in industrial and household applications as well as a component of pesticides and fertilizers. In this work, the universal effective green approach for sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate esterification to determine these substances in a form of their volatile derivatives by gas chromatography coupled with electron ionization mass-spectrometry (GC–MS) is presented. The approach provides a simple conversion of sodium alkylbenzene sulfonates to a form of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid methyl esters in 98% yield for 20 min at 24 °C. The yield was estimated using high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection. Trimethyl orthoformate (125 µl) was used as low toxicity alkylation reagent. The obtained volatile derivatives might be redissolved in n-hexane and analyzed by GC–MS in selective ion monitoring mode. The limit of quantification of 20 alkylbenzenesulfonate isomer sum was estimated as 25 ng μL–1 of the analyzed extract. The approach might be applied to food, environmental and biological objects contaminated with alkylbenzene sulfonates. The applicability of the method is shown using dry solvent-free extracts of snow, river sediments, freshwater branching sponge Lubomirskia baikalensis, the whole blood, and widely cultivated plants such as spinach Spinacia oleracea and cucumber Cucumis sativus. The presence of sodium alkylbenzene sulfonates in snow (31.1 ± 1.0 µg L–1) and sediments (208±7 µg g–1 of d.w.) of the world's deepest Lake Baikal tributaries as well as in freshwater sponge (33.6 ± 1.1 µg g–1 of d.w.) was found. The repeatability of measurement is characterized by RSD = 2.24%.

Fractional Factorial Design Study for the Extraction of Cannabinoids from CBD-Dominant Cannabis Flowers by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The optimization of the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of cannabinoids, using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), was investigated in a fractional factorial design study. It is hypothesized that four main parameters (temperature, pressure, dry flower weight, and extraction time) play an important role. Therefore, these parameters were screened at predetermined low, medium, and high relative levels. The density of scCO2 was used as a factor for the extraction of cannabinoids by changing the pressure and temperature. The robustness of the mathematical model was also evaluated by regression analysis. The quantification of major (cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), and delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA-A)) and minor (cannabidivann (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivann (THCV), cannabigerolic acid (CBG), cannabigerol (CBGA), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichomere (CBC)) cannabinoids in the scCO2 extract was performed by RP-HPLC analysis. From the model response, it was identified that long extraction time is a significant parameter to obtain a high yield of cannabinoids in the scCO2 extract. Higher relative concentrations of CBD(A) (0.78 and 2.41% w/w, respectively) and THC(A) (0.084 and 0.048% w/w, respectively) were found when extraction was performed at high relative pressures and temperatures (250 bar and 45 °C). The higher yield of CBD(A) compared to THC(A) can be attributed to the extract being a CBD-dominant cannabis strain. The study revealed that conventional organic solvent extraction, e.g., ethanol gives a marginally higher yield of cannabinoids from the extract compared to scCO2 extraction. However, scCO2 extraction generates a cleaner (chlorophyll-free) and organic solvent-free extract, which requires less downstream processing, such as purification from waxes and chlorophyll.

Hypouricemic effect of gallic acid, a bioactive compound fromSonneratia apetalaleaves and branches, on hyperuricemic mice

As a tropical medicinal plant, Sonneratia apetala is mainly distributed in the southeast coastal areas of China. Recently, the hypouricemic effect of Sonneratia apetala leaves and branches (SAL) has been reported, but the active compound and its mechanism are unclear. Thus, this study aims to explore the effective fraction of SAL and the mechanism of its active compound on uric acid formation and excretion. SAL was extracted with ethyl acetate and concentrated to obtain solvent-free extracts (SAL-EA). The remains fraction (SAL-E) and the supernatant fraction (SAL-S) of SAL resulting from water extraction and alcohol precipitation were collected and dried. The effects of different fractions were explored on hyperuricemic mice. SAL-S showed excellent activities in decreasing the levels of uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CRE) in serum and in attenuating kidney damage. Then, the active compound gallic acid (GA) identified by HPLC was assayed for its mechanism of regulating uric acid metabolism in hyperuricemic mice. The hypouricemic effect of GA was probably associated with the downregulation of URAT1 and GLUT9, upregulation of ABCG2 and decreased activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XOD). Moreover, GA suppressed the level of MDA, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β1, COX-2 and cystatin-C (Cys-C), and enhanced the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) in the kidneys. These results indicated that GA protects against hyperuricemia-induced kidney injury via suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation as well as decreasing the serum levels of UA by regulating urate transporters.

Antioxidant Properties and the Preservative Effect of Whole Radish Extract on Quality of Deccan Mahseer (Tor khudree) Steaks during Chilled Storage

ABSTRACT The effect of dip treatment with solvent-free whole radish extract (WRE) on quality characteristics of Deccan mahseer steaks was evaluated during the chilled storage. In-vitro antioxidant activities of the extract were evaluated based on total phenolic and flavonoid contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and metal chelating ability prior to the dip treatment. The quality parameters, including total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N), and free fatty acid (FFA), were significantly (p < .05) reduced in WRE treated steaks compared to the control (CT) steaks. WRE treatment of fish steaks significantly controlled the lipid oxidation parameters of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxide value (PV). Total plate count (TPC) of CT sample was higher than the treated sample and remained within the limit of 7 log10 cfu/g at the end of storage. As per the sensory analysis, shelf life of Deccan mahseer was determined to be 15 days for WRE treated steaks and 9 days for control steaks during chill storage. Based on the results, it can be concluded that WRE treatment can limit the progress of fish spoilage bacteria in fish steaks and can be used as a substitute for synthetic additives.

Antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory activity of peppermint extracts and essential oils obtained by conventional and emerging extraction techniques

Peppermint is widely used medicinal plant with distinguished bioactive potential, therefore, the aim of present work was to develop novel peppermint extracts with high activity by application of traditional and emerging separation techniques. Conventional hydrodistillation and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MWHD) were applied for recovery of essential oil (EO), while organic solvent extraction using Soxhlet apparatus, microwave-assisted and ultrasound-assisted process and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were applied for non-selective recovery of peppermint lipophilic extracts. Extracts were characterized in terms of terpenoids profile with special emphasis on content of major compounds (mentol, menthone, isomenthol and eucalyptol). Antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, chelating and phosphomolybdenum assay) and enzyme-inhibitory assays (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase and glucosidase inhibition) were used for screening of peppermint bioactivity. MWHD was recognized as alternative for traditional process in EO recovery, while SFE extracts were useful for green production of solvent-free peppermint extracts rich in terpenoids and other lipophilic bioactives.

The Isolation and Characterization of Phenolic Compound of Euphorbia Plant/Patikan Cina (Euphorbia thymifolia Linn)

Euphorbia plant, Euphorbia thymifolia Linn, is one the Euphorbiaceae families that still need to be developed due to its benefits. An effort to be able to use this plant maximumly is by studying the active component in the plant. This study aims to isolate and characterize phenolic compound in euphorbia plant extract using ethyl acetate. 500 gram of euphorbia plant (Patikan Cina) powder was macerated using methanol. Then, the macerated extract was evaporated to eliminate excess solvent and as a result, a solvent-free extract was obtained. Next, the result was partitioned with a solution of methanol : ethyl acetate (1:1) in order to get methanol and ethyl acetate extracts. The ethyl acetate extract of the partition was evaporated to get concentrated ethyl acetate extract. Next, it was isolated in a vacuum liquid and gravitational column chromatography to get pure isolate. Silica gel 60 (0.040 – 0.063 mm) and n-hexane motion phase were used in the separation of concentrated ethyl acetate in vacuum liquid chromatography. There were 16 fractions produced from the yield. Then the fractions were put in TLC. With silica gel 60 (0.2 – 0.5 mm) mesh and n-hexane mobile phase, ethyl acetate gave 5 fractions in gravitational column chromatography and fraction 3 produced a single spot. UV and IR spectroscopy were used to determine the constituents in the isolate. From UV spectrum, max is 268.97 nm. While IR data shows the presence O-H group in 3521.38 cm-1, C – H (alkane) presents at wave number 2926.45 cm-1 reinforced by the appearance of 5 other alkanes absorption at 2857.00 cm-1, 1447.31 cm-1, 1370.18 cm-1, 868.774 cm-1 and 757.887 cm-1 wavelengths. There is also C = O (carbonyl) groups in wave number 1693.19 cm-1. The identification of structures based on UV and IR spectra data has shown that the isolate is a phenolic compound.

Ethanol extraction of canola oil: Kinetics and effects of type of solvent and microwave-pretreatment

The phenomenon and kinetics of the ethanol extraction of canola oil from microwave-pretreated seeds was studied using a Fick’s diffusion model. The extraction was performed in a batch system at constant temperature (313–333 K) at different times (300–64 800 s); then the total solvent-free extracts (SFE) were washed with hexane, obtaining oil as a hexane-soluble fraction (HSE) along a hexane-insoluble fraction. The values of the fitted parameters were different from those obtained by hexane extraction, showing an influence of the solvent on the kinetic parameters. A comparison of SEM images of pre-extracted, post-extracted with ethanol and post-extracted with hexane meals showed a dilution of the structural matrix with ethanol, not observed in post-extraction samples with hexane. This would indicate that a microwave-pretreatment is not necessary for the ethanol extraction of canola oil under the studied conditions, although it is important for breaking seed structures to facilitate the conventional extraction with hexane.

Phytochemicals, antioxidant, anti-acetyl-cholinesterase, and antimicrobial activities of decoction and infusion of Pelargonium graveolens

In Tunisia, Pelargonium graveolens is widely consumed as a food aromatizing hydrosol. Recent studies have shown the potential of plant solvent-free extracts as food and pharmaceutical natural additives. Accordingly, in this study, we investigate the phenolic content, the volatile fractions of green P. graveolens extracts such as infusion and decoction, and we evaluate their biological activities. The total phenolic content of the infusion (27.05 mg GAE/gDM) is significantly different from that of decoction (31.2 mg GAE/gDM). The GC-MS analysis identified about twenty volatile components in both extracts. The DPPH inhibition and the β-carotene bleaching tests of the infusion and the decoction had considerable results. Besides, infusion and decoction exhibited a relatively high anti-acetyl-cholinesterase activity and a considerable antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, among three tested pathogenic bacteria.

In vitro antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities of selected medicinal plants from Ugandan flora: Refocusing into multi-component potentials

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSeven medicinal plants from Ugandan flora, namely Entada abyssinica, Khaya anthotheca, Vernonia amygdalina, Baccharoides adoensis, Schkuhria pinnata, Entandropragma utile and Momordica foetida, were selected in this study. They are used to treat conditions and infections ranging from inflammations, pains and fevers to viruses, bacteria, protozoans and parasites. Two of the plants, V. amygdalina and M. foetida, are also used as human food or relish, while others are important in ethnoveterinary practices and in zoopharmacognosy in the wild. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial, antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities, along with cytotoxicity of the multi-component extracts of these plants. Materials and methodsDifferent parts of the plants were prepared and serially extracted with hexane, petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and double distilled water. Solvent free extracts were assayed for in vitro inhibition against four reference parasite strains, Plasmodium falciparum (K1), Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (STIB 900), Trypanosoma cruzi (Talahuen C2C4) and Leishmania donovani (MHOM-ET-67/L82) using standard methods. Toxicity was assessed against L6 skeletal fibroblast and mouse peritoneal macrophage (J774) cells and selectivity indices (SIs) calculated for the most active extracts. ResultsThe strongest activities, demonstrating median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ≤ 2 μg/ml, were observed for the dichloromethane and petroleum ether extracts of K. anthotheca, B. adoensis and S. pinnata. Overall, IC50 values ranged from < 1 μg/ml to > 90 μg/ml. Out of 22 extracts demonstrating IC50s < 20 μg/ml, seven were against T. b. rhodesiense (IC50: 1.6–16.2 μg/ml), six against T. cruzi (IC50: 2.1–18.57 μg/ml), none against L. donovani (IC50: falling > 3.3 and >10 μg/ml), and nine against P. falciparum (IC50: 0.96 μg/ml to 4.69 μg/ml). Selectivity indices (SI) calculated for the most active extracts ranged from <1.00 to 94.24. However, the B. adoensis leaf dichloromethane extract (a) was equipotent (IC50 = 3.3 μg/ml) against L. donovani and L6 cells respectively, indicating non-specific selection. Trypanosome and Plasmodium parasites were comparatively more sensitive to the test extracts. ConclusionsThe benefits achieved from the seven tested plant species as traditional ethnomedicinal and ethnoveterinary therapies or in zoopharmacognosy against infections and conditions of animals in the wild are strongly supported by results of this study. The synergy of plant extracts, so achieved by concerted actions of the ligands, produces adequate perturbation of targets in the four parasite genera, resulting in the strong potencies exhibited by low IC50 values. The total inhibitory effect, achieved as a sum of perturbations contributed by each participating compound in the extract, minimises toxic effects of the compounds as seen in the high SI's obtained with some extracts. Those extracts demonstrating SI ≥ 4 form promising candidates for further cell-based and system pharmacology studies.

English

This study discusses the bioactive composition, supercritical fluid extraction and biological activities of Momordica charantia L. from the last five years. Numerous compounds that have been identified in the extracts of M. charantia, including phytosterols, terpenoids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, phenolic acids and flavonoids were also discussed. Although, several studies reported the use of organic solvents in the extraction of these compounds, this review emphasized on supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), good selectivity, varied fractions in terms of mass yields and chemical composition obtained, in addition to providing a solvent-free extract. Moreover, the biological effects of M. charantia extracts, including their antidiabetic, neuroprotective, anti-obesogenic, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and allelopathic activities, were discussed. These biological effects of the extracts of M. charantia can directly affect human health. The findings of this review are important, as they can guide future studies related to obtaining bioactive compounds from M. charantia and its applications. Key words: Bitter melon, supercritical fluid, bioactive compounds, biological activities.

Phytochemical Studies on Nerium oleander L. Using GC-MS

Phytoconstituents are chemical compounds often referred to as secondary metabolites. Fifty eight bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in the solvent free extract of Nerium Oleander L. root using Keshav Narean Apparatus3 [IP no. 2343/MUM/2013A] .The identification of phytochemical compounds is based on the peak area, retention time, molecular weight and molecular formula. A wide range of fatty acids, heterocyclic compound which are having anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic activity were identified so that it can be recommended as a plant of phytopharmaceutical importance. The GCMS analyse Fifty eight phytochemical compounds in Nerium oleander L. root extract. The major phytoconstituents were 2-methoxy-5-methyl phenol and isomers (2.92%), 2, 6-dimethoxyphenyl ester (4.47%), trans-Isogenol (4.89%),5-ter-butylpyrogallol(2.25%),2-hydroxy-4-isopropyl-7 methoxytropone (3.72%),l-(+)-ascorbic-acid-2,6-dihexadecanoate,(4.47%),trans-Isogenol(4.89%),2,3,5-trimetho oxyamphetamine (2.25%), 2-hydroxy-4-isopropyl-7-methoxytropone (3.72 %), Oleic acid(1.09 %), 2-( 9,12- octadecadienyloxy)-,(Z,Z)- ethanol (9.48 %), 9-hexadecenoic acid (2.24%), 9-octadecenamide (3.13%), α-amyrin (10.85 %).

Stability and release of an encapsulated solvent-free lycopene extract in alginate-based beads

A free-solvent lycopene extract was obtained from a natural and non-conventional source such as pink grapefruit. Five matrices were evaluated to select the matrix for lycopene extraction, choosing freeze-dried pulp based on the high content and conservation of all-trans lycopene. The extraction was dependent on both partial preservation of the fruit cellular/tissular structure and water content. The extract was then encapsulated in alginate beads with the addition of sugars and galactomannans. The influence of beads composition was studied on stability towards isomerization, transport properties and release of lycopene. Alginate beads and those supplemented with trehalose and vinal gum were the ones that best preserved lycopene content and minimized isomerization changes. Transport properties measured by LF-NMR showed that lower diffusion coefficients could be related to higher lycopene content in alginate-trehalose beads. Lycopene release was strongly influenced by composition. Then, it is possible to design formulations with different release rates for particular applications.

Solid lipid nanoparticles for delivery of Calendula officinalis extract

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) composed of long-chain fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid or arachidic acid), Epikuron 200 (purified phosphatidylcholine), and bile salts (cholate, taurocholate or taurodeoxycholate) have been prepared by dilution of a microemulsion. A total of five different systems were prepared, and characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. The SLN formulation showing optimal properties (lowest size and polydispersity index and highest zeta potential) was obtained with stearic acid and taurodeoxycholate as cosurfactant. This formulation was loaded with Calendula officinalis extract, a natural compound used on ophthalmic formulations given its anti-inflammatory, emollient, and wound repairing activity. Calendula-loaded SLN preparations were characterized in order to determine loading capacity and entrapment efficiency. In vitro cytotoxicity and wound healing efficacy of Calendula-loaded SLN compared to that of a free plant extract were evaluated on a conjunctival epithelium cell line WKD. Our results suggest that this SLN formulation is a safe and solvent-free Calendula extract delivery system which could provide a controlled therapeutic alternative for reducing disease-related symptoms and improving epithelium repair in ocular surface.

High catechins/low caffeine powder from green tea leaves by pressurized liquid extraction and supercritical antisolvent precipitation

This paper reports a method to produce a solvent-free extract from green tea leaves with high content of catechins and low content of caffeine, in two steps and using only “green” solvents. The method is based on the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) of the green tea leaves using ethyl lactate as solvent, followed by a selective precipitation procedure using the supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) antisolvent (SAS) technique.PLE was accomplished at 100°C and 10MPa, on the basis of a previous work. The influence of pressure (15–30MPa) and temperature (50°C and 70°C) on the SAS precipitation process was experimentally studied in terms of precipitation yield, concentration of key bioactive compounds (caffeine and monomeric catechins) and total content of phenols of the precipitates. Additionally, a comparison using a different organic solvent (ethanol) for the extraction and precipitation steps is reported.The precipitates obtained from the ethyl lactate PLE extracts were decaffeinated (giving less than 1% mass caffeine in the dry matter) and the concentration of catechins was close to 23% mass. The total phenolic content of the precipitates was up to 590mg of gallic acid equivalents per g of precipitate, which represents an increase of up to 25% with respect to the PLE extracts.

Sesquiterpene Derivatives and Steroids from the Sponge Dactylospongia elegans Collected from the South China Sea

Sponges of the genus Dactylospongia have been widely investigated for their biologically active compounds. The majority of the reported metabolites are sesquiterpene quinones [1, 2], as well as a few macrolides [3]. For example, smenospongine, a sesquiterpene aminoquinone isolated from the Indonesian sponge D. elegans, showed multifaceted antitumor activity on leukemia cells [4]. Sponge Material. The sponge of Dactylospongia elegans was collected in April 2006 from Meishan coral reef, Sanya, China, and was authenticated (RMNH POR. 5235) by Dr. Nicole J. de Voogd, Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis, The Netherlands. A voucher specimen (HN-SY-2006WMS-18) was deposited in the Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China. Extraction and Isolation. The sponge Dactylospongia elegans (0.7 kg, dry weight) was extracted exhaustively with 95% ethanol (2000 mL 5) at room temperature. The solvent-free EtOAc extract (1.0 g) was subjected to column chromatography on silica gel and eluted with EtOAc in petroleum (0–100%, gradient) to yield six fractions. The subfractions were then isolated by successive column chromatography on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 and purified by semi-preparative HPLC, leading to the isolation of compounds (1/2) (50.6 mg), (3) (2.4 mg), (4) (4.2 mg), (5) (1.8 mg), and (6) (8.5 mg). On the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with those reported in the literature, the structures of compounds 1–6 were established as dactyltronic acids (1/2) [5, 6], dictyoceratin C (3) [7], polyfibrospongol A (4) [8], 3 -hydroxycholesta-5,8-dien-7-one (5) [9], and pregna-1,20-dien-3-one (6) [10]. Compounds 3, 5, and 6 were obtained from the genus Dactylospongia for the first time. The antibacterial activity in vitro of the isolated compounds was evaluated against a panel of pathogenic bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, S. albus, Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, Micrococcus tetragenus, Kocuria rhizophila, Vibrio parahemolyticus, V. anguillarum, and Pseudomonas putida, by using a standard screening protocol [11]. The results indicated that dactyltronic acids 1/2 showed pronounced antibacterial activity against V. parahemolyticus with a MIC value of 3.45 M (the positive control ciprofloxacin MIC = 1.25 M). Pregna-1,20-dien-3-one (6) also exhibited activity toward B. cereus with a MIC value of 4.19 M (ciprofloxacin MIC = 1.25 M). However, compounds 3, 4, and 5 only showed weak antibacterial activity.

Phenols and Antioxidant Activity in Vitro and in Vivo of Aqueous Extracts Obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction from Artichoke By-Products

Artichoke by-products are rich in phenolic compounds although they represent a waste for the food industry. This paper examines the application of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for obtaining organic solvent-free extracts rich in nutraceuticals from artichoke scraps. Application of ultrasounds for 60 minutes on test samples, using water as a solvent, improved recovery of phenolic substances compared with untreated samples. Among the phenols detected by high performance liquid chromatography, 5-O-caffeoylquinic and 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acids were identified. In vivo treatments of tobacco BY-2 cells with ultrasonic extracts consistently enhanced their antioxidant power, making the cells more resistant to heat stress. UAE applied to artichoke by-products, using water as a solvent, appears to be a powerful eco-friendly technique that can provide extracts rich in nutraceuticals and turn waste products into resources. The extracts could be advantageously utilized in the food industry to produce functional foods.

Effect of type and concentration of solvent on chemical properties of saffron edible extract

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to find a suitable solvent to produce saffron edible extract with improved chemical properties. Design/methodology/approach – Dried and pulverized stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (10 g) was extracted with 300 ml of solvents including distillated water (DW), ethanol/DW, methanol/DW, propylene glycol/DW, heptan/DW and hexan/DW, for three days at 25°C and then centrifuged at 3,000 rpm. Then, the extracts were evaporated using rotary evaporator at 40°C. The fiber and solvent-free extracts were then analyzed by UV spectrophotometer to detect saffron quality parameters including crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. Findings – Distilled water/ethanol mixture as the extraction solvent caused larger amounts of the plant constituents to diffuse out to the extract compared to other treatments and also control. Polar solvents including distilled water, ethanol and propylene glycol (except methanol) were more effective in extracting crocin, picrocrocin and safranal than non-polar solvents. Originality/value – No research had been done on production of saffron edible extract using the solvent studied in this survey. The novelty of this research is high and the results can be used industrially.

Efficacy of Antimicrobials Extracted from Organic Pecan Shell for Inhibiting the Growth of Listeria spp.

Growers and processors of USDA certified organic foods are in need of suitable organic antimicrobials. The purpose of the research reported here was to develop and test natural antimicrobials derived from an all-natural by-product, organic pecan shells. Unroasted and roasted organic pecan shells were subjected to solvent free extraction to produce antimicrobials that were tested against Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes serotypes to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of antimicrobials. The effectiveness of pecan shell extracts were further tested using a poultry skin model system and the growth inhibition of the Listeria cells adhered onto the skin model were quantified. The solvent free extracts of pecan shells inhibited Listeria strains at MICs as low as 0.38%. The antimicrobial effectiveness tests on a poultry skin model exhibited nearly a 2 log reduction of the inoculated cocktail mix of Listeria strains when extracts of pecan shell powder were used. The extracts also produced greater than a 4 log reduction of the indigenous spoilage bacteria on the chicken skin. Thus, the pecan shell extracts may prove to be very effective alternative antimicrobials against food pathogens and supplement the demand for effective natural antimicrobials for use in organic meat processing.

Identification and quantification of odorous compounds from adhesives used in food packaging materials by headspace solid phase extraction and headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–olfactometry–mass spectrometry

Adhesives are often responsible for off-flavors in food in contact with packaging. The aim of this investigation was to identify by GC–O–MS the odorous compounds in five different types of adhesive (hotmelt, vinyl acetate ethylene, starch, polyvinyl acetate and acrylic) used in food packaging. In order to obtain a substantial number of compounds, they were extracted by two complementary extraction methods: HS-SPE and HS-SPME. Fifteen minutes extraction time using PDMS fiber for hotmelt adhesive and DVD/CAR/PDMS fiber for the other adhesives were the best conditions for defining a representative solvent-free adhesive extract using a rapid and simple D-GC–O technique. Thirty-three compounds were identified by GC–O–MS. These include butyric acid, acetic acid, methyl butyrate, 1-butanol and nonanal, which were present in most of the adhesives under study producing cheesy, rancid, sour, medicinal and green aromas, respectively. The concentrations were determined, the most abundant compound being acetic acid with concentrations from 22.9 to 8930μgg−1 of adhesive.