ABSTRACT This investigation focuses on optimizing ultrasound‐assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) utilizing cellulase enzyme for oil recovery from Moringa oleifera seeds. The optimization protocol evaluated the influence of three critical process parameters: ultrasonic amplitude (20%–60%), incubation duration (1–2 h), and particle size distribution (0.3–2.36 mm), through the implementation of a central composite design methodology. The optimal conditions achieved were 20% ultrasonic amplitude, a 1 h incubation time, and a particle size of 0.3 mm, resulting in a yield of 35.81%. SEM revealed the structural disruption of seed cells caused by ultrasound and cellulase treatment, highlighting the enhanced oil release capability of UAEE. The extract was analyzed for phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and physicochemical properties. Analyses conducted using GC‐MS and FTIR techniques revealed a wide array of bioactive compounds, prominently featuring monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) such as oleic acid, cis‐vaccenic acid, and trans‐13‐octadecenoic acid. These fatty acids are noted for their considerable pharmacological potentials, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. This study aims to optimize the extraction of oil from M. oleifera seeds for potential applications in the food industry while also exploring the therapeutic properties highlighted in contemporary scientific literature.
Kaur et al. (Sat,) studied this question.