Evaluation and optimisation of phenolic compounds extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide from the seeds of Plantago ovata and their comparison with conventional extraction

Abstract

This study’s main objectives are to evaluate and confirm the effects of the extraction process, operating conditions, solvent type and solvent polarity on the yield and quality of the extracts. Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) and Soxhlet were specially used in this study to extract bioactive chemicals from the seeds of a natural plant known as Plantago ovata. No studies have been published so far regarding the extraction from the seeds of this plant using scCO₂.The effects of three operating parameters (pressure, temperature and particle size) on the extraction yield, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC) and antioxidant activity were assessed in this study using the Box–Behnken statistical experimental design (BBD). The chemical components in the extracts were separated and identified using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. According to the antioxidant activity results, scCO₂ failed to produce bioactive compounds with interesting properties when operated within operating range conditions.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction
• soxhlet
• phenolic compounds
• response surface methodology
• GC-MS

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Algerian Directorate General for Scientific Research and Technological Development DGRSDT fund.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Algerian Directorate General for Scientific Research and Technological Development DGRSDT fund.