Green extraction or roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) calyces: An enzymatic assisted extraction to increase bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity

This research delves into the enzymatic extraction of bioactive compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces, highlighting a green technological advancement for the sustainable recovery of anthocyanins, phenolics, and flavonoids. Enzymatic extraction is considered a green extraction, which is generally safer, sustainable, efficient and product quality obtained is better than in solvents extraction. 5 g of dried calyx of four varieties of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. were extracted (10 min) with 25 mL of water and 75% acidified ethanol. In addition, a solution of dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (20% w/v) was extracted with enzymes. The total anthocyanin content was 3 times higher with ethanolic extraction than with water and 3.3 times higher when comparing the enzyme mixture and water. Our study reveals that enzyme mix and cellulase extractions significantly outperform traditional solvent methods, yielding up to 6048.64 and 5875.62 mg/100 g of anthocyanins. Ethanolic and enzyme mixture demonstrating superior antioxidant capacities through DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical; 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (89.4 to 339.3µmolET/g with enzyme mix) and ABTS (of 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays (109.6 to 325.4 µmol ET/g with enzyme mix). These results underscore the potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts in combating oxidative stress, due to its bioactive compounds content with antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatories, emphasizing the importance of green extraction technologies in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This work sets a new benchmark in the sustainable and efficient utilization of natural resources for health-promoting products, aligning with global trends towards environmental stewardship and wellness.