Comprehensive Study on Ultrasound-assisted Extraction (UAE) of Bioactive Compounds with Medicinal Properties from Date Processing Byproduct

Abstract

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), originating from Mesopotamia, is a crucial fruit crop with significant economic value across the Middle East, South Asia, North Africa, and Central America. Although the edible flesh of dates is prized for its nutritional properties, substantial amounts of byproducts, such as seeds and press cake, are discarded during processing. These byproducts are rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which have potential health benefits. Conventional extraction methods for these compounds often involve toxic solvents and can degrade heat-sensitive substances. This study explores Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) as a sustainable alternative for recovering bioactive compounds from date press cake (DPC). The efficacy of UAE was evaluated under various conditions to optimize the yield and quality of the extracted compounds. The study found that UAE significantly enhances the extraction of bioactive compounds, with optimal conditions identified as 15 minutes at 40°C with a 60% ethanol solution. The optimized UAE conditions resulted in a yields of 121.73 mg GAE/g for TPC, 446.66 mg QE/g for TFC, and 67.76% for antioxidant activity. The extracted compounds demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, suggesting their potential application in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The findings indicate that DPC, typically considered waste, can be valorized as a rich source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds, offering a sustainable approach to utilizing agricultural byproducts.