Extraction of Cecropia Pachystachya Leaves by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: Kinetics, Phytochemical Characterization, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities

Abstract

Cecropia pachystachya Trécul is popularly known in Brazil as embaúva or embaúba. Pharmacological activities were reported in extant studies including the development of anxiolytic, antidepressant, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, cardiotonic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and leishmanicidal properties for aqueous and alcoholic extracts prepared by infusion or maceration of C. pachystachya leaves. However, there is a paucity of studies examining extracts of leaves of C. pachystachya obtained by supercritical fluid technology. This study evaluated the extraction of Cecropia pachystachya oil using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂). Extractions were performed at 35 °C, 45 °C, and 55 °C and 14 MPa, 17 MPa, and 20 MPa. The extraction yield, characteristics of the oil, antioxidant and antibacterial potentials were evaluated. The highest extraction yield obtained from C. pachystachya leaves was 1.48% using supercritical CO₂ at 55 °C and 20 MPa. The main identified compounds include terpenoids (ursolic and pomolic acids, squalene and β-sitosterol). The most promising results for antibacterial activity relative to Staphylococcus aureus and antioxidant potentials were observed on the extract obtained at 55 °C and 14 MPa. The mathematical Sovová model satisfactorily represented the experimental data.