Optimization of an Extraction Process to Obtain a Food-Grade Sulforaphane-Rich Extract from Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a powerful health-promoting compound found in broccoli in the form of its inactive precursor, glucoraphanin (GFN). SFN formation occurs through the enzymatic hydrolysis of glucoraphanin by myrosinase under specific chemical conditions. Its incorporation in food formulations has been hindered by the thermal instability of SFN and low concentration in Brassicaceae. Then, extracting SFN from broccoli at a temperature below 40 °C appears as an option to recover and stabilize SFN, aiming at delivering it as a nutraceutical. We studied an eco-friendly extraction process to obtain an SFN-rich extract from broccoli. The effect of the broccoli mass/solvent ratio, ethanol concentration in the extractant solution, and extraction time on the recovery of SFN, GFN, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity were studied through a Box–Behnken design. The regression models explained more than 70% of the variability in the responses, adequately representing the system. The experimental factors differently affected the bioactive compound recovery and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The extraction conditions that allowed the highest recovery of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were identified and experimentally validated. The results may provide the basis for the design of a process to produce a sulforaphane-rich food supplement or nutraceutical by using a GRAS extractant.

Investigation of the physicochemical, antioxidant, rheological, and sensory properties of ricotta cheese enriched with free and nano‐encapsulated broccoli sprout extract

“…Sulforaphane is an important bioactive compound found in different parts of broccoli that exhibits considerable and significant anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities (Yusin et al, 2021 ). In previous studies, the antioxidant activity and health effects of broccoli and sulforaphane as its bioactive compound have been approved (Cedrowski et al, 2021 ; González et al, 2021 ; Tian et al, 2017 ).…”

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Broccoli By-Products

“…González et al [43] have also shown that ratio and time of extraction are essential factors in the recovery of phenolic compounds, isothiocyanates, or glucosinolates. Their highest recoveries of SFN from inflorescences were obtained with a solid/liquid ratio of 1:50, 80% ethanol in the extractant, and 70 min of extraction, which resulted in 0.566 g SFN kg −1 dw, 46.8 g GL kg −1 dw, and 4.054 g GAE kg −1 dw.…”

Advancing herbal medicine: enhancing product quality and safety through robust quality control practices

“…Once the extraction method is established, process validation should be performed to ensure consistent and reproducible extraction results. Process validation involves confirming that the extraction process consistently meets predetermined quality standards, including extraction efficiency, yield, and the presence of desired bioactive compounds ( González et al, 2021 ; Kapadia et al, 2022 ). Validation parameters may include analytical testing, comparison with reference samples, and statistical analysis ( Campuzano and González-Martínez, 2017 ; Onishi et al, 2018 ).…”