Extraction of bioactive compounds from Butia capitata fruits using supercritical carbon dioxide and pressurized fluids

Coquinho-azedo (Butia capitata) is a palm tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado with fruits widely consumed by the regional population. Its pulp is a high source of nutrients and bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity; therefore, the extraction of its compounds is advantageous. The objective of this work was to obtain extracts from Butia capitata fruit pulp by sequential extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide and pressurized ethanol and water. The extracts were characterized in terms of global yield, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, fatty acids profile, mono-, di- and triacylglycerols content and total carotenoids. The results were compared with extracts obtained by conventional methods. The combination of the supercritical extraction technique and pressurized fluids ensured better extraction performance and more identification of fatty acids, in addition to high levels of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and total carotenoids compared to conventional extracts.