Sequential extraction of bioactive compounds from a mixture of Hancornia Speciosa, Myrciaria Floribunda, and red propolis using ultrasound-assisted pressurized fluids

Cancer is a complex disease and the leading cause of death worldwide each year, with lung cancer showing among the highest incidence and mortality rates. Available conventional therapies are toxic and have low selectivity, so new treatment options are needed. Bioactive compounds derived from plant sources have different chemical structures and exhibit diverse biological activities. Given this, ultrasound and pressurized liquid extraction can be combined to enhance the recovery of bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to obtain extracts with antioxidant and anticancer properties from a mixture of plant sources using single-step and sequential ultrasound-assisted pressurized liquid extraction. For this study, extractions were performed at 50 bar and 60°C using propane and ethanol/water (80:20 m/v) solvents. The extraction times investigated were 30 minutes, with sequential extraction divided into 15-minute stages, each stage with a different solvent, in order of polarity. Characterization of the extracts by mass spectrometry identified classes of compounds such as flavanones, chalcones, and isoflavones, among others. It was observed that sequential extraction, specifically in the fraction obtained with ethanol/water, resulted in a total phenolic content of 24.14 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per mg of DE (Dry extract), antioxidant activity by DPPH 28.5 µg ET/mg and FRAP (393 µmol Fe²⁺/mg of extract) and inhibition potential in lung cancer cells of 63.38% at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. This extract resulted in superior antioxidant and anticancer activity when compared to single-step methods. Thus, the results reinforce the applicability of ultrasound-assisted pressurized liquid extraction as a green and efficient alternative for the production of an extract with antioxidant and antitumor functional properties.