Comparison of Phenolic Compound, Colour Value, and Antioxidant Activity of Roselle Calyces Extract Between Modified Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Conventional Extraction

Abstract

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) is a clean and green technology for extracting polyphenols and antioxidants from roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) as nutraceutical ingredients and high-value co-products development.  To increase the SC-CO₂ fluid affinity towards polar compounds, general regard as a safe (GRAS) solvent, ethanol-water was added in a small amount as a modifier. Dry roselle calyces were extracted using modified SC-CO₂ and conventional methods (Soxhlet and Shaking Water Bath) to determine whether the SC-CO₂ technology may improve the extraction of phenolic content and antioxidant activity.  The results showed that the SC-CO₂ extract had a significantly higher yield of total phenolic and flavonoid content than the conventional extraction method. The conventional method produces a redder but lighter extract than SC-CO₂ extraction. SC-CO₂ also had a higher antioxidant activity as measured by DPPH radical scavenging. These results suggest that SC-CO₂ technology increases the quantity and quality of roselle calyces’ extract. The findings increased the reliability of using this technique to produce high-value products from this high-value plant. Roselle as a low-cost sustainable local crop source, as well as SC-CO₂ as a clean energy process with low environmental impact, excellent solvent recyclability, and reduced chemical use, could increase the market value of antioxidant-rich extract.