Enzyme-assisted extraction for enhanced yields of turmeric oleoresin and its constituents

In the present study, enzyme-assisted extraction of turmeric oleoresin was carried out using acetone as a solvent. The enzymes used for the pretreatment of turmeric prior to solvent extraction were a-amylase, glucoamylase, and a commercial mixture of enzymes containing cellulase and xylanase. The oleoresins were quantified for the content of curcumin and volatile oil after each extraction. Process parameters such as enzyme concentration, pH, incubation time and time of extraction were optimised to get maximum yield of the extractives. An increase of 13.7% and 22.5% oleoresin and 26.04% and 31.83% increase in curcumin yield were observed on enzymatic pretreatment of the turmeric powder by alpha-amylase and glucoamylase, respectively. The yield of volatile oil also increased significantly by 70% and 53.75% after alpha-amylase and glucoamylase pretreatment suggesting the feasibility of this process. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.