Better Extraction of Healthy Compounds from Saffron Waste Using Sunflower Oil

Jenn Hoskins
19th July, 2024

Better Extraction of Healthy Compounds from Saffron Waste Using Sunflower Oil

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University developed an eco-friendly method to extract phenolic content from saffron waste using ultrasound and sunflower oil
  • The optimal extraction conditions were a solid-to-liquid ratio of 26 g/100 mL, a temperature of 45°C, and a duration of 45 minutes
  • This method yielded the highest phenolic content (317.15 mg/kg) and antioxidant activity (89.34%), offering a sustainable alternative to conventional extraction methods
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on eco-friendly solvents in both industry and academia due to environmental concerns. A recent study conducted by Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University introduces an innovative, green, and user-friendly method for extracting phenolic content from Crocus sativus L. (saffron) waste using ultrasound and sustainable sunflower oil, replacing conventional organic solvents[1]. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. The study aimed to optimize the extraction process by examining the effects of temperature (18-52°C), ultrasonic time (5-55 minutes), and solid-solvent ratio (5-31 g/100 mL) using response surface methodology (RSM) and Central composite design. The researchers found that the combination of these variables significantly influenced the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in the enriched oil. However, when these variables were at their maximum levels, there was a decline in these attributes. The optimal conditions were identified as a solid-to-liquid ratio of 26 g/100 mL, a temperature of 45°C, and a duration of 45 minutes. Under these conditions, the extraction yielded the highest phenolic content (317.15 mg/kg) and antioxidant activity (89.34%). This study builds on previous research highlighting the potential of natural nanoemulsions as antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic agents[2]. For instance, nanoemulsions made from saffron flowers exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal activity, inhibiting total fungal growth by 69.64-71.90% and demonstrating a substantial decrease in aflatoxin production[2]. The current study expands on these findings by providing a more sustainable extraction method that could be applied in various industries, including food, aquaculture, and cosmetics. Moreover, the study's findings align with earlier research on the enrichment of olive oil with phenolic compounds from olive leaves using ultrasonic maceration[3]. In that study, the optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process led to a high total phenolic content and improved antioxidant activity in the enriched olive oil[3]. Similarly, the current study demonstrates that ultrasound can effectively enhance the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in saffron-enriched sunflower oil, making it a valuable addition to the range of eco-friendly extraction methods available. The study also ties into broader research on the role of antioxidants in combating oxidative stress, which is induced by various environmental factors such as UV stress, pathogen invasion, and oxygen shortage[4]. The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during these stress conditions can damage cellular components, including lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Antioxidants, including phenolic compounds, play a crucial role in mitigating this damage by scavenging ROS[4]. The enriched sunflower oil produced in this study could therefore serve as a potent antioxidant source, contributing to the protection against oxidative stress in various applications. In conclusion, the study conducted by Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University presents a novel, eco-friendly method for extracting phenolic content from saffron waste using ultrasound and sunflower oil. This method not only enhances the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the oil but also offers a sustainable alternative to conventional extraction methods. The enriched oil has potential applications in diverse fields, including food, aquaculture, and cosmetics, making it a valuable contribution to the pursuit of greener and more sustainable industrial practices.

SustainabilityBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenols from Crocus sativus by-products using sunflower oil as a sustainable solvent alternative.

Published 30th October, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101579

Related Studies

2) Antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic activities of nanoemulsions based on Achillea millefolium and Crocus sativus flower extracts as green promising agents for food preservatives.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-023-03033-2

3) Direct enrichment of olive oil in oleuropein by ultrasound-assisted maceration at laboratory and pilot plant scale.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultsonch.2011.12.006

4) Antioxidants, oxidative damage and oxygen deprivation stress: a review.

Journal: Annals of botany, Issue: Vol 91 Spec No, Issue 2, Jan 2003


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