Comparison of Two Ultrasonic Systems with Different Settings for Extraction of Capsaicinoids from Chili Peppers

Abstract

Two ultrasonic systems were compared with different settings for extraction of capsaicinoids (capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin and nordihydrocapsaicin) from chili peppers. The first system was ultrasonic homogenizer using an ultrasonic probe operating at a working frequency of 20 kHz, with variable setting of power output. The second one was ultrasonic cleaner operating at a working frequency of 35kHz, with fixed power output of 50 W. Determination of the optimum extraction procedures was performed by comparison of the extraction yields. Content of capsaicinoids was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Optimization studies of extractions by both ultrasonic systems were performed. Ten various real samples of chili underwent optimum extraction conditions in both ultrasonic systems. The results were compared with each other and to a conventional Soxhlet extraction. The ultrasonic methods provide the higher extraction efficiency and simple and straightforward operation. System working at higher power of ultrasound resulted in higher extraction yields. An application of ultrasonic system working at lower frequency of ultrasonic waves is slightly advantageous.