Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts through a supercritical CO2 extraction process for antioxidant application

Purpose This study aimed to optimize the supercritical CO₂ (SC-CO ₂ ) extraction process for Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts (ESE) to maximize yield, and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the obtained extracts. Methods The extraction was performed using SC-CO ₂ under conditions below the boiling point to preserve heat-sensitive compounds. Key factors (temperature, pressure, and time) were investigated, and the optimal process conditions were determined using the response surface methodology. The antioxidant activity of ESE was assessed by measuring its scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. Results The optimal extraction conditions were identified as a temperature of 60°C, pressure of 30 MPa, and an extraction time of 2 hours, yielding 1.88 ± 0.05% of ESE. Phytol was identified as a primary constituent. The ESE exhibited notable antioxidant activity, and its concentration exhibited a positive correlation with antioxidant activity. Conclusion This study made a significant contribution to the field by enhancing the extraction process of plant extracts and providing a valuable direction for the study of antioxidant bioactive substances.