Extraction, chemical characterization and antioxidant activity of Sonn. and L. seeds extracts obtained from pressurized -butane.

The extraction of litchi ( Sonn.) and oat ( L.) seeds were investigated using -butane as pressurized solvent by evaluating the effect of pressure in the range of 7-100 bar and temperature from 25 to 70 °C on the extract yield and chemical composition together with the antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained. It was experimentally observed extraction yields for both seeds up to ~3.5 wt%, with a total phenolic content around 126.4 mg GAE/100 g of extract, and an antioxidant activity up to 78.36%. Oat seeds extract presented higher values of these parameters evaluated compared to litchi extract. Based on the results found, it seems that -butane may be a promising solvent to conventional extraction methods, as mild operating conditions and eco-friendly solvent can be used to provide good results without any residues in the final product.