Extraction optimization and microencapsulation of Berberine from Berberis vulgaris incorporated in a functional orange drink: Physiochemical attributes and kinetic release studies

BACKGROUND: Berberine, extracted from Berberis vulgaris, is one of the well-known natural antioxidant sources. OBJECTIVE: Optimizing the berberine extraction conditions from the whole Barberry plant and microencapsulation of the optimized extract to be used as a bioactive ingredient in functional orange juice. METHODS: Seventeen extraction processes were designed to determine an optimized method for producing an ethanol/water extract with maximum yield, safety, and antioxidant properties. The optimal extract was microencapsulated by complex coacervation using tragacanth/gelatin and then spray-dried. The selected microcapsules based on morphology, particle size, and solubility were added to orange juice, and the physical and sensory properties of the functional drink, as well as the kinetic release models, were analyzed. RESULTS: An optimal extract with 82%antioxidant activity was prepared using a 75%ethanol/water ratio and an extraction time of 0.5 h at 22.3°C. Spherical-shaped microcapsules could create a desirable cloudy appearance with good stability in the pH of orange juice. The kinetics of the berberine release revealed an initial burst phase followed by a prolonged one, which would appeal to consumers’ sensory perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: The excellent compatibility between berberine and orange juice provides a potential capacity to fortify a high-consumption drink with a phytonutrient presented in a berry fruit.

Development of an Optimized Drying Process for the Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from the Autumn Fruits of Berberis vulgaris L. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq

Hot air drying has proven to be an efficient method to preserve specific edible plant materials with medicinal properties. This is a process involving chemical, physical, and biological changes in plant matrices. Understanding these processes will lead to an improvement in the yields of bioactive compounds. This study aims to optimize the drying process of two species’ fruits used in folk medicine, Berberis vulgaris and Crataegus monogyna. The optimized extracts’ antioxidant capacity was assessed using various assays, with the barberry extract showing very good activity (50.85, 30.98, and 302.45 mg TE/g dw for DPPH, TEAC, and FRAP assays, respectively). Both species exerted good fungal α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.34 and 0.56 mg/mL, respectively) but no activity on mammalian α-glucosidase. Additionally, this study identified and quantified the main bioactive compounds. The results presented herein are a breakthrough in industrializing this drying process. Additional studies are necessary to mechanistically understand the drying process involved in these plant materials.