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January 14, 2023

Valorization of Bioactive Compounds from By-Products of Matricaria recutita White Ray Florets

by Ilva Nakurte, Marta Berga, Laura Pastare, Liene Kienkas, Maris Senkovs, Martins Boroduskis and Anna Ramata - Stunda

Institute for Environmental Solutions, “Lidlauks”, Priekuli Parish, LV-4126 Cesis, Latvia

Field and Forest, SIA, 2 Izstades Str., Priekuli Parish, LV-4126 Cesis, Latvia

Microbial Strain Collection of Latvia, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, 1 Jelgavas Str., LV-1004 Riga, Latvia

Alternative Plants, SIA, 2 Podraga Str., LV-1023 Riga, Latvia

Abstract

In this research, we have reported the valorization possibilities of Matricaria recutita white ray florets using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2. Experiments were conducted at temperatures of 35–55 °C and separation pressures of 5–9 MPa to evaluate their impact on the chemical composition and biological activity of the extracts. The total obtained extraction yields varied from 9.76 to 18.21 g 100 g−1 DW input. The greatest extraction yield obtained was at 9 MPa separation pressure and 55 °C in the separation tank. In all obtained extracts, the contents of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and sugars were determined. The influence of the supercritical CO2 extraction conditions on the extract antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the quenching activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The chemical composition of the extracts was identified using both gas and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry methods, whereas analyses of major and minor elements as well as heavy metals by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer were provided. Moreover, extracts were compared with respect to their antimicrobial activity, as well as the cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of the extracts. The results revealed a considerable diversity in the phytochemical classes among all extracts investigated in the present study and showed that the Matricaria recutitawhite ray floret by-product possesses cytotoxic and proliferation-reducing activity in immortalized cell lines, as well as antimicrobial activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper presenting such comprehensive data on the chemical profile, antioxidant properties, and biological properties of SFE derived from Matricaria recutita white ray florets. For the first time, these effects have been studied in processing by-products, and the results generated in this study provide valuable preconditions for further studies in specific test systems to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and potential applications, such as potential use in cosmetic formulations.

Keywords:

Matricaria recutita; white ray florets; CO2 extraction; valorization; chemical composition; cytotoxicity; phototoxicity; antimicrobial activity

Plants 2023, 12(2), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020396