# Spondias tuberosa Seed as a Source of Bioactives by an Optimized Microwave-Assisted Green Extraction

## TL;DR

Researchers optimized a green extraction method to recover bioactive compounds from umbu seeds, which could be used in cosmetics.

## Contribution

The study introduces an optimized microwave-assisted green extraction using propylene glycol to recover bioactives from umbu seeds.

## Key findings

- The optimized extraction at 201°C and 60% propylene glycol increased total phenolic content by 41%.
- The extract showed a sun protection factor of 13 at 30 mg/mL and no toxicity in a G. mellonella model.
- UPLC-HRMS/MS analysis confirmed the extract is rich in phenolic compounds.

## Abstract

Umbu (Spondias tuberosaArruda) is
a native Brazilian Caatinga fruit. The pulp is the main product of
its agroindustrialization; however, depulping generates approximately
25% of residue. This study aimed to recover bioactive compounds from
umbu seed through a more sustainable approach, using propylene glycol
as a solvent in microwave-assisted solid–liquid extraction.
Additionally, the study evaluated the chemical profile, photoprotective
action, and in vitro toxicity. An experimental design
using percentage of propylene glycol (15–85%) and temperature
(59–201 °C) as independent variables was adopted. Total
phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity by DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP were evaluated as responses.
The highest response values were observed at 201 °C and 60% propylene
glycol. Adjusting the extraction time to 15 min resulted in a 41%
increase in TPC. According to UPLC-HRMS/MS analysis, the optimized
extract is mainly composed of phenolic compounds. It showed a sun
protection factor of 13 at 30 mg/mL. Furthermore, the 25% extract
showed no toxicity in the G. mellonella model. Therefore, the use of propylene glycol as a green solvent
in microwave-assisted extraction favored the recovery of bioactive
compounds from umbu seed, enabling the production of a bioproduct
with potential cosmetic application.