Green and Innovative Extraction: Phenolic Profiles and Biological Activities of Underutilized Plant Extracts Using Pulsed Electric Fields and Maceration

Noelia Pallarés ^1,2, Houda Berrada ¹, Emilia Ferrer ¹

⁰Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Science, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de València, Avda. Vicent Andrés Estellés, Burjassot, 46100 València, Spain.

Foods (basel, Switzerland) +

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January 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) show promise for extracting bioactive compounds from plants like Ruta chalepensis, offering a sustainable alternative to maceration (MAC). While MAC generally yielded more compounds, PEF provides a greener approach for functional food and pharmaceutical applications.

Area Of Science

Phytochemistry and Natural Product Extraction
Food Science and Technology
Sustainable Processing

Background

Underutilized plants like Asteriscus graveolens, Haloxylon scoparium, and Ruta chalepensis are rich in bioactive compounds.
These compounds have potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, including functional foods.
Advanced extraction technologies are needed to efficiently recover these valuable compounds.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the impact of pulsed electric fields (PEF) technology on bioactive compound recovery from selected underutilized plants.
To compare PEF extraction with conventional maceration (MAC) techniques.
To evaluate the phenolic profiles and biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic) of the extracts.

Main Methods

Extraction of bioactive compounds from Asteriscus graveolens, Haloxylon scoparium, and Ruta chalepensis using PEF and MAC.
Quantification of phenolic compounds.
Assessment of antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of the plant extracts.

Main Results

PEF extraction for Ruta chalepensis yielded comparable phenolic content to MAC (58 mg/g vs. 72 mg/g).
MAC generally resulted in higher phenolic yields for other tested plants.
Asteriscus graveolens extracts demonstrated significant antitumoral and anti-inflammatory potential; MAC extracts showed better antimicrobial activity against bacteria, while PEF excelled against A. brasiliensis.

Conclusions

While MAC often provided superior yields, PEF extraction is a promising, environmentally sustainable alternative.
PEF technology aligns with green extraction principles by reducing or eliminating the need for organic solvents.
Further research into PEF optimization could enhance its efficiency for recovering bioactive compounds from underutilized plant species.

Keywords:

Algerian medicinal plants biological activities maceration phenolic compounds pulsed electric fields