Intensification of extraction of bioactive substances from artichoke wastes

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is a traditionally cultivated and highly appreciated food in the Mediterranean region. The edible parts are only the heart and inner leaves (bracts). The external bracts, leaves and stems are non-edible by-products considered as wastes. They represent about 60% of the plant, and could be used as raw material for production of useful substances. This article examines potential intensification of the process of extraction of bioactive substances from artichoke wastes through the application of a widely used production process – conventional batch extraction. The target components to be extracted are compounds with high antioxidant activity polyphenols and flavonoids. The study results in selection of optimal operational parameters that intensify the mass transfer and produce maximum yield of bioactive substances while minimizing the processing costs.