Assessing Desiccated Coconut as Co‐Extractant for Flavonoid Recovery From Propolis With Supercritical CO ₂

Propolis is rich in flavonoids with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, making them valuable for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Conventional solvent‐based extraction methods pose environmental and efficiency challenges, highlighting the need for greener alternatives. This study explores desiccated coconut as a natural co‐extractant in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) extraction of flavonoids from propolis. The effects of varying desiccated coconut‐to‐propolis ratios were evaluated, with a focus on competitive solubility between coconut oil and flavonoids. Extraction profiles were analyzed to understand phase dynamics and their impact on recovery. Under conditions of 150 bar and 50°C, a 20% coconut‐to‐propolis ratio achieved the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) of 27.4 mg/g. Higher ratios resulted in reduced TFC due to solubility competition from excess coconut oil. Mechanistic interpretation revealed that lower ratios supported a more efficient constant‐rate extraction phase. These findings demonstrate that desiccated coconut is a viable, sustainable co‐extractant for scCO 2 systems, supporting green chemistry and offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional organic solvents.