Supercritical CO2 extraction of yellow mustard seeds (Sinapis alba L.): Optimization, bioactive compounds and biological activities

This study investigates the bioactive potential of yellow mustard seed extracts ( Sinapis alba L. ) obtained through supercritical CO 2 extraction for health and industrial applications. It focuses on optimizing supercritical CO 2 extraction conditions to maximize yield and recovery of bioactive compounds, while assessing the biological activities of the extracts. Extraction parameters (temperature 35–65 °C, pressure 200–300 bar, particle size 0.25–0.85 mm) were optimized using a Box-Behnken experimental design. The extracts were analyzed for total phenolic, flavonoid, and hydrolyzable tannin contents, and their biological activities were evaluated, including antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), antibacterial and antifungal activities, α-amylase inhibition, and interactions with gentamicin. Minimum inhibitory concentrations and IC 50 values were determined. Optimal extraction conditions (65 °C, 300 bar, 0.25 mm) yielded 39.65%. The extracts exhibited significant antibacterial activity against E. coli , moderate activity against S. aureus , and antifungal activity against C. albicans , whereas P. aeruginosa and A. niger remained resistant. α-amylase inhibition varied with extraction conditions, with the most active extract showing an IC 50 of 120.78 µg/mL. Despite measurable bioactive compound content, antioxidant activity was relatively low, and combination with gentamicin revealed an antagonistic effect, reducing the antibiotic’s efficacy. Overall, this research highlights the potential of yellow mustard seeds extracts as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds, with possible applications in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. It also emphasizes the need for further studies to optimize extraction conditions, improve bioactive profiles, and explore new therapeutic and functional applications.