Phytochemical profiling of wastes from the processing of shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) and pharmacological potentials within the paradigm of circular bioeconomy: Emphasizing antioxidant and antidiabetic applications
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Shea butter is a natural fat that is extracted from the kernels of the shea butter tree, and it is widely used in food
preparation, cosmetics, and therapeutic practices. Shea trees are prevalent across Africa, and the traditional
extraction methods produce significant wastes. However, there is dearth of information on the phytochemical
profiling of these wastes and their potential biomedical values. Thus, this study conducted a thorough phyto chemical investigation of the shea butter wastes from different processing stages, including brown and black shea
cakes (SNC1 and SNC2), shea nut shells (SNS), and shea nut wastewater (SNWW). By using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS), the bioactive chemicals in these wastes were identified and quantified. Further more, the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the wastes were investigated for their potential pharmaco logical applications. The maximum antioxidant activities obtained at 60 mg/ml revealed DPPH radical
scavenging of 62.34 % for SNC1, ferric reducing power of 68.13 % for SNC2, H2O2 radical scavenging of 38.46 %
for SNS, and nitric oxide scavenging of 35.13 % for SNWW indicating their potentials in combating oxidative
stress. Additionally, the promising anti-diabetic activity, with alpha-amylase inhibition reaching 84.74 % for SNS
at 60 mg/ml highlights their potential in diabetes management. This study provides a holistic understanding of
shea butter wastes, unraveling their chemical complexity and exploring their pharmacological potentials. It not
only expands our knowledge of shea butter wastes, but also unlocks new avenues for utilization of the wastes in
various industries, thereby contributing to waste management and sustainable exploitation of shea resources.