Horia Ionuț TĂNASE, Codruța Mihaela DOBRESCU, Mădălin DĂNILĂ, Magdalin Leonard DOROBĂȚ, Laurențiu-Tony HANGAN, Laura Adriana BUCUR
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aqueous extraction, beta-carotene, carotenoids, Elaeagnus angustifolia, lycopene, LC-MS/MS.
Elaeagnus angustifolia L., is a shrub species widely used for therapeutic purposes. This plant's edible fruits are a rich natural source of bioactive compounds, particularly carotenoids, whith antioxidant, provitaminic, and protective effects against chronic degenerative diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the beta-carotene and lycopene content in aqueous extracts from dried fruits of E. angustifolia L., as influenced by extraction temperature (ambient, 50 °C and 80 °C). Following thermal treatment and purification via solid-phase extraction (SPE), carotenoids were quantitatively determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), employing atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) for detection. The results revealed a significant increase in the carotenoid concentration correlated with extraction temperature, with peak values of 105.8 µg/g beta-carotene and 190.2 µg/g lycopene in the extract obtained at 80 °C. That moderate heat treatment boosts the release of oil-loving pigments from the plant material, even in water-based systems and without the use of organic solvents. This study outlines an efficient, environmentally friendly and reproducible extraction method. Elaeagnus angustifolia L. fruits possess a high potential as a raw material for the creation of functional food products, antioxidant dietary supplements, and standardized phytopharmaceutical extracts.
Cite this paper: Tănase, H.I., Dobrescu, C.M., Dănilă, M., Dorobăț, M.L., Hangan, L.T., Bucur, L.A. (2025). RESEARCH ON THE CAROTENOID CONTENT (BETA-CAROTENE
AND LYCOPENE) IN THE FRUITS OF ELAEAGNUS ANGUSTIFOLIA L. Current Trends in Natural Sciences, 14(27), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.47068/ctns.2025.v14i27.003
