Use of experimental design in the extraction of biactive compounds from the pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) leaf using ultrasound-assisted extaction

The growing interest in natural bioactive compounds in human nutrition and food technologies has led to research on their inclusion as substitutes for synthetic compounds and their role in new analytical methods. In this context, pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.), a native Brazilian fruit, has gained attention due to its astringent properties, pleasant aroma, and bioactive components found in its leaves and fruits. These leaves are rich in phenolic compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The present study aims to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from pitanga leaves using a hydroethanolic solvent and ultrasound-assisted extraction, combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Rotational Composite Design (DCCR) to quantify total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS). Experimental results demonstrated that the optimal extraction conditions, consisting of 50% ethanol and 68 minutes of ultrasound exposure, significantly increased both TPC and antioxidant activities compared to conventional extraction methods. The study highlights the potential of ultrasound-assisted extraction as a sustainable, efficient method for bioactive compound recovery, with promising applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. These findings also contribute to the advancement of methodologies for extracting bioactive compounds from native Brazilian plants, fostering the development of more sustainable processes Thus, this study provides an optimized protocol for extracting bioactive compounds from pitanga leaves through hydroethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction, combined with RSM and DCCR, establishing a reliable methodology for quantifying phenolic content and antioxidant activity.