# Optimization of Phenolic‐ and Saponin‐Enriched Extraction From Pandanus tectorius Fruit Using Box–Behnken Design and Evaluation of Their Bioactivities

## TL;DR

This study optimizes the extraction of bioactive compounds from Pandanus tectorius fruit to create antioxidant and anti-inflammatory extracts for potential use in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel application of Box–Behnken design to optimize extraction of phenolics and saponins from P. tectorius for targeted bioactivities.

## Key findings

- Phenolic-rich extracts showed strong antioxidant activity in DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays.
- Saponin-rich extracts exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells.
- Excessive saponin enrichment led to cytotoxic effects, highlighting the need for balanced extraction conditions.

## Abstract

Pandanus tectorius fruits are a promising but underutilized source of bioactive constituents. We optimized extraction conditions for phenolic‐ and saponin‐enriched fractions using Box–Behnken/response surface methodology across ethanol concentration, temperature, solvent‐to‐material ratio, and time and then evaluated antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. Total phenolic content (TPC; Folin–Ciocalteu, 760 nm) and total saponin content (TSC; vanillin–sulfuric acid, 560 nm) served as responses for model fitting (R
2 > 0.96), validation, and multiresponse optimization that yielded seven distinct optimums targeting different extract profiles. Phenolic‐rich extracts showed potent DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging, whereas saponin‐rich extracts more strongly inhibited LPS‐induced nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells; excessive saponin enrichment, however, coincided with cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that tuned extraction can deliver purpose‐built extracts for antioxidant or anti‐inflammatory applications, supporting the valorization of P. tectorius as a natural source for functional and nutraceutical ingredients.