Supercritical CO2 extraction of alpha-/beta-amyrin from uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess.): Effects of pressure and co-solvent addition

摘要

The obtaining of alpha-/beta-amyrin from Eugenia pyriformis leaves is a subject with few studies that needs to be explored further in order to extend the understanding about processes to recover these compounds. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pressure and co-solvent addition in the supercritical CO2 extraction regarding the global extraction yield, alpha-/beta-amyrin purity and yield, and antioxidant activity. Extractions were performed at pressures varying in the range 15-30 MPa at fixed temperature of 60 degrees C. The effect of co-solvent was evaluated at 5 and 15% (w/w) of ethyl acetate and ethanol. The best pressure for increasing alpha-/beta-amyrin yield was 20 MPa. The co-solvent addition increased the global extraction and alpha-/beta-amyrin yields, achieving a yield of 16.12 mg g(-1) RM (raw material) by using 15% ethanol, while the highest alpha-/beta-amyrin purity was obtained by using 5% of ethyl acetate as co-solvent. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.