Optimization of Extraction Parameters of Total Phenolics from Annona crassiflora Mart. (Araticum) Fruits Using Response Surface Methodology

In this study, response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction temperature (25-75 A degrees C) and ethanol concentration (0-70 %, ethanol/water, v/v) to maximize the extraction of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from araticum pulp. The efficiency of the extraction process was monitored over time, and equilibrium conditions were reached between 60-90 min. A second-order polynomial model was adequately fit to the experimental data with an adjusted R (2) of 0.9793 (p < 0.0001) showing that the model could efficiently predict the TPC content. Optimum extraction conditions were ethanol concentration of 46 % (v/v), extraction temperature of 75 A degrees C and extraction time of 90 min. Under the optimum conditions, the araticum pulp showed high TPC content (4.67 g GAE/100 g dw) and also high antioxidant activity in the different assays used (46.56 mu g/mL, 683.65 mu mol TE/g and 1593.72 mu mol TE/g for DPPH IC50, TEAC and T-ORAC(FL), respectively). From our extraction procedure, we successfully recovered a significantly higher amount of TPC compared to other studies in the literature to date (1.5-22-fold higher). Furthermore, TPC and antioxidant activity were present in the fruit in levels that are difficult to find in other common fruits. These results expose a potential approach for improving human health through consumption of araticum fruit.