Process Optimization of Phytoantioxidant and Photoprotective Compounds from Carob Pods (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Using Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction Method

Abstract

The current study first describes the extraction of phytoantioxidant polyphenols from Carob byproducts (pods) using maceration and heating-assisted extraction as traditional methods and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) as an innovative method to determine the most efficient extraction process in terms of four targeted responses: total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activities (TAC and DPPH), and photoprotective properties as measured by the sun protection factor (SPF). Second, we used response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite rotatable design (CCDR) approach to investigate the influence of process variables (extraction time, extraction temperature, and solvent concentration) on UAE, which was found to be the most effective extraction technique in our study. Carob byproduct extracts had a TPC ranging from 6.21 to 21.92 mg GAE/g dw, a TAC ranging from 22.00 to 49.30 mg AAE/g dw, DPPH scavenging activity ranging from 56.35 to 90.50%, and SPF values ranging from 8.62 to 22.37. The optimal UAE conditions for maximum TPC, TAC, DPPH, and SPF responses were determined to be 38.90% ethanol, 53.90 °C, and 50.92 min. Using Carob as a source for sustainable and bioactive products in conjunction with optimized UAE is a promising contribution to the cosmetic industry that will help to strengthen the concept of environmentally-friendly “green chemistry”. Given that Carob pulp or seeds are considered food byproducts, the research presented here encourages the use of these agri-food waste materials in cosmetics.

Ceratonia siliqua L. Pod Extract: From Phytochemical Characterization to Liposomal Formulation and Evaluation of Behaviour in Cells

“…In the literature, there are many studies comparing different extraction methods to prepare an active extract. The solvent concentration, the extraction time, and the extraction temperature are the parameters that most influence the phytochemical profile of the extracts [ 15 , 35 , 36 ]. Generally, the ethanol–water mixtures have been found to be effective for the antioxidants’ extraction from botanical materials [ 36 ].…”

“…The solvent concentration, the extraction time, and the extraction temperature are the parameters that most influence the phytochemical profile of the extracts [ 15 , 35 , 36 ]. Generally, the ethanol–water mixtures have been found to be effective for the antioxidants’ extraction from botanical materials [ 36 ]. In this study, a C. siliqua pod extract was prepared through sonication and maceration in a 70:30 ( v / v ) ethanol–water mixture.…”

Biological Activities of Ceratonia siliqua Pod and Seed Extracts: A Comparative Analysis of Two Cretan Cultivars

“…Overall, the aqueous methanolic seed extracts from both Cretan cultivars absorbed more than the hexane seed extracts. A recent study on the effects of processing in ethanolic C. siliqua pod extracts regarding their antioxidant and photoprotective potential [16] included a calculation of in vitro SPF, which ranged from 8.62 to 22.37. In our study, we found lower SPF values, ranging from 2.14 to 3.95, regarding the deseeded pod extracts.…”

“…A less studied aspect regards the use of carob in the cosmetic industry, although the polysaccharide galactomannan (locust bean gum or E410) from the seed endosperm is already being used in the cosmetic sector, mainly due to its physical properties [15]. A recent study suggested that carob extracts, beyond their well-known antioxidant properties, also possess photoprotective activity [16].…”

Algerian wild green carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.): Physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant potency

“…When it comes to mature fruits, Ayad et al [41] published a value of 23.375 ± 0.83 mg GAE/g DM in ripe carob pods from the Texenna region in Jijel. Many authors [12,31,34,39] found that the total phenolic content of carob decreased gradually during ripening to the lowest levels at the end of maturity.…”