Optimization of Extraction Technologies for obtaining bioactives from Schinus molle

All countries have wild or semi-domesticated neglected species, limited to local markets. Recovering valuable components from these species by sustainable extractions can add value to these underutilized resources. Among these, Schinus molle (SM) stands out for its resilience and adaptability to climate change since it is resistant to drought and poor soils. The objective of this work was to optimize the conditions for obtaining antioxidant extracts from SM using ultrasound (US) and microwave (MW) techniques by applying response surface methodology and comparing them with traditional infusion methods (T). The design variables were time, % ethanol, temperature, and amplitude/frequency, evaluating antioxidant capacity (mmoles Trolox/100 mL -CA-), polyphenol content (GAE/100 mL -CPT-) and total flavonoids (mg quercetin/100 mL -FT-). Variable ranges for US: time: 1-15 min, ethanol: 0%-100%, and amplitude: 20%-100%; for MW: ethanol: 0%-100%, time: 10-40 min, and frequency: low, medium, and high; for T: ethanol: 40%, 65%, and 90% and time: 20 days, weighing 5 grams of powder/100 mL in all cases. The obtained optimal conditions were US [100% amplitude, 45% ethanol, and 15 minutes] and MW [low frequency, 50°C, 10 minutes, and 50% ethanol]. For maximum CA and CPT, the significant US variables were % ethanol, time, and temperature; and for MW, they were temperature and % ethanol. Significant differences among treatments were observed in CA: US>MW>T (6.43; 1.07 and 0.76 mmoles Trolox/100 mL), CPT: MW>T>US (24.1; 20.1 and 15.8 GAE/100 mL), and FT: T>MW>US (3.22; 2.33 and 1.82 mg quercetin/100 mL), indicating an inverse correlation with CA. The optimization designs identified the critical parameters to maximize the antioxidant activity of the extracts and allowed us to obtain extracts that surpass the traditional process in CPT (MW) and CA (US). These findings highlight the importance of carefully selecting the method according to specific extraction objectives, opening new opportunities for practical applications as an additive based on unexplored sources adapted to climate change and favoring biodiversity.