title: Improvement of the composition of Tunisian myrtle berries (Myrtus communis L.) alcohol extracts.
abstract: Different extracts from myrtle berries were obtained using alcohol-water mixtures as an extraction medium in the range of 60-90% (v/v) to study the extraction efficiency in the preparation of myrtle liqueur. Flavonoids and anthocyanins were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry and quantified during the maceration period by HPLC coupled with ultraviolet/visible detection. The antioxidant activity was tested by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Dry matter, pH, and color parameters (L, a, b) were also analyzed. At the end of the maceration period, EE80 showed better anthocyanins stability and the highest total antioxidant activity (87.5%). These results suggest that the use of ethanol 80% provides the extract with the best characteristics for liqueur preparation. The present study contributes significantly to increase the marketing appeal of myrtle berries.
authors: Ecole Supérieure des Industries Alimentaires de Tunis (ESIAT), Alain Savary, Tunis, Tunisia.
authors: Ahmed
authors: A
authors: Snoussi
authors: Ben Haj Koubaier
authors: BH
authors: Hayet
authors: Ismahen
authors: I
authors: Essaidi
authors: Slim
authors: S
authors: Zgoulli
authors: Chaabouni Mohamed
authors: CM
authors: Moncef
authors: Phillipe
authors: P
authors: Thonart
authors: Nabiha
authors: N
authors: Bouzouita
mesh_terms: D000872:Anthocyanins / Q000032:analysis; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods; D003116:Color; D000431:Ethanol / Q000737:chemistry; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000032:analysis; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D031651:Myrtus / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D014416:Tunisia
chemical_list: D000872:Anthocyanins; D000975:Antioxidants; D005419:Flavonoids; D010936:Plant Extracts; D000431:Ethanol