Abstract
Stenocereus stellatus is one of the top 10 most important cactus species in Mexico. Its fruits contain bioactive components like betalains and phenolic compounds. In this study, the extraction conditions were optimized through response surface methodology to maximize the concentration of betalains (betacyanins and betaxanthins), total phenolic compounds (TPC), as well as antioxidant capacity (AC). Various factors were assessed to optimize the extraction of betalains, including pH (W), extraction temperature (X), extraction time (Y), and water: ethanol solvent ratio (Z). TPC and AC were also evaluated using the same factors, except for Z. All these factors had an impact on the concentration of betalains. After evaluating these factors, the optimal extraction conditions were found to be pH 4.2, extraction temperature of 10°C, extraction time of 60 minutes, and a water: ethanol solvent ratio of 55%. Under these conditions, 0.51 mg per g total betalains (BT) were obtained, of which 0.25 mg per g corresponded to BC and 0.26 mg per g to BX. In evaluating TPC and AC, only pH and temperature affected these determinations. The optimal conditions for both variables were pH of 4 and extraction temperature of 60°C, under these conditions 2.34 mg of gallic acid equivalents per g and 18.60 µmol of Trolox equivalents per g were obtained. The results suggest that Stenocereus stellatus could be a promising source for these compounds, which have potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to their excellent stability under these conditions.