Assessing Desiccated Coconut as Co-Extractant for Flavonoid Recovery From Propolis With Supercritical CO2

Propolis is rich in flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them valuable for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Conventional solvent-based extraction methods pose environmental and efficiency challenges, highlighting the need for greener alternatives. This study explores desiccated coconut as a natural co-extractant in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction of flavonoids from propolis. The effects of varying desiccated coconut-to-propolis ratios were evaluated, with a focus on competitive solubility between coconut oil and flavonoids. Extraction profiles were analyzed to understand phase dynamics and their impact on recovery. Under conditions of 150 bar and 50°C, a 20% coconut-to-propolis ratio achieved the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) of 27.4 mg/g. Higher ratios resulted in reduced TFC due to solubility competition from excess coconut oil. Mechanistic interpretation revealed that lower ratios supported a more efficient constant-rate extraction phase. These findings demonstrate that desiccated coconut is a viable, sustainable co-extractant for scCO2 systems, supporting green chemistry and offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional organic solvents.

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