Response surface methodology (RSM) to evaluate both the extraction of triterpenes and sterols from jackfruit seed with supercritical CO2 and the biological activity of the extracts

Jackfruit seeds are an underestimate residue having important biological activity such as anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects. However few researches have been done for this material using alternative extraction technologies, so this study aimed to evaluate the extraction of triterpenes and sterols from jackfruit seed by applying high- and low-pressure techniques. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the best conditions of pressure, temperature and CO2 flow rate for extraction with supercritical CO2. The yield and profile of these compounds were compared with the low pressure technique, which was considered as a reference. In vitro biological tests of anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity in L929 and RAW 264.7 cells were also performed. The best extraction conditions in SFE for sterols were 40 degrees C/20 MPa/4 mL min(-1) (0.832 +/- 0.007 mg(SR) g(sample)(-1)) and 40 degrees C/20 MPa/3 mL min(-1) (0.800 +/- 0.009 mg(SR) g(sample)(-1)), for triterpenes were 50 degrees C/12 MPa/4 mL min(-1) (1.501 +/- 0.004 mg(TT) g(sample)(-1)) and 45 degrees C/9.3 MPa/3.5 mL min(-1) (1.485 +/- 0.004 mg(TT) g(sample)(-1)). No cytotoxic activity was detected in L929 cells in the extracts obtained from ethanol up to concentration of 100 mu g mL(-1) of extract. The Pearson's coefficient indicated that the reduction in cell viability was related to the concentration of triterpenes. Anti-inflammatory assays showed that some extracts could inhibit the inflammatory action induced in RAW 264.7 cells at concentration of 30 mu g mL(-1) of extract. Our results justify the further exploration of these characteristics to obtain natural products for the pharmaceutical and food industries.