EXTRACTION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. COM DIFFERENT SOLVENTS AND CULTIVATION SITES

Hibiscus Sabdariffa L., also known as a vinegar plant, is an unconventional food plant (PANC) with high nutritional and functional value,  due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Considering its relevance as a functional ingredient, this study aimed to evaluate the extraction of bioactive constituents from hibiscus, grown in two plantation locations in Iturama, Minas Gerais (L1 and L2), by means of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Two extracting solvents (distilled water (H1) and acidified water with citric acid up to pH 2.5 (H2)) were tested in an ultrasonic bath (Quimis, 03350, Brazil), aiming at the quantification of total anthocyanins (AT, mg mv-3,5-glc.100g-1 sample) and total phenolic compounds (CFT, mg EAG. 100 ^g-1 sample). The analyses were performed in triplicate for determination of TA, by the Ribereau-Gayon and Stonestreet method, and of CFT, by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, both quantified in a UV/VIS spectrophotometer (Biochrom, Libra S22, USA). The results showed significant differences in TA content between H1L1 (790.54 ± 1.94) and H2L1 (979.79 ± 5.17), as well as between H1L2 (602.60 ± 6.28) and H2L2 (754.00 ± 6.01). For the CFT, there was a significant difference only between H1L1 (1208.73 ± 7.79) and H2L1 (1263.29 ± 8.39), while there was no variation between H1L2 (1169.19 ± 5.00) and H2L2 (1166.46 ± 5.80). These results show that the acidification of the solvent enhanced the extraction and stability of the bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins. It was also found that the chemical composition of the sorrel varies depending on the cultivation site, reinforcing the importance of raw materials and solvent in extraction efficiency. In summary, ultrasound-assisted extraction, combined with acidified solvent, proved to be a promising strategy for maximizing the recovery of bioactive compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa L., with potential industrial and functional applications.