Supercritical fluid extraction of Bhut Jolokia oleoresin and its quality analysis

Abstract

The present study focuses on the standardization of the supercritical fluid extraction of the Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense) which is abundantly grown in the north eastern region of India. The effect of process parameters pressure (75–225 bar), temperature (40–60 °C) and time (30–90 min) of oleoresin extraction process was studied. The standardized condition to obtain maximum extraction of Bhut Jolokia oleoresin was found to be 207 bar, 60 °C and 73 min. The oleoresin extract was analyzed for its antimicrobial, antioxidant and total phenolics content. Four strains of bacteria namely Escherichia coli (ATCC -11,229), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC- 11,774), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC- 14,028) and Staphylococcus aureus (12,600) were used for the antimicrobial assay. It was observed that the highest inhibition was seen against E. coli, moderate inhibition was seen against S.aureus and S. typhi and partial/no zone of inhibition was observed against B. subtilis. The extract of Bhut Jolokia oleoresin showed radical scavenging activity of 58.6 ± 3.86% and total phenolics content of 4250 ± 2.26 mg GAE/100 g sample indicating Bhut Jolokia oleoresin as a good antioxidant and is also a good source of phenolic compounds.