Effect of Malvaviscus arboreus Flower and Leaf Extract on the Functional, Antioxidant, Rheological, Textural, and...

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating different concentrations (1% and 2%) of Malvaviscus arboreus flower (FE) and leaf (LE) extracts as functional ingredients in goat milk yogurt. This study analyzed the impact of these formulations (YFE1%, YFE2%, YLE1%, and YLE2%) on the physicochemical, bioactive, antioxidant, rheological, textural, and sensory properties of goat yogurt over a 28-day storage period. Including FE and LE extracts significantly enhanced the yogurt's antioxidant activity, reaching up to 10.17 µmol TEAC/g, and strengthened its ability to inhibit lipid oxidation during storage. This study also observed a reduction in the viability of lactic acid bacteria, particularly L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, suggesting that the extracts may have antimicrobial properties. Notably, using FE, especially at a concentration of 2% (YFE2%), improved both antioxidant and textural properties while reducing syneresis by the end of the storage period. Sensory evaluations showed positive results for YFE1% and YFE2% formulations. These findings suggest that FE has significant potential as a functional food ingredient. This research lays the groundwork for future studies exploring the integration of Malvaviscus arboreus-based ingredients into functional food products, opening new possibilities for innovation in this field.