Enzyme pretreatment and negative pressure cavitation extraction of genistein and apigenin from the roots of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and the evaluation of antioxidant activity

An enzyme pretreatment and negative-pressure cavitation extraction (E-NPCE) method was investigated for extraction genistein and apigenin from pigeon pea roots. The important parameters involved in E-NPCE process were optimized by single-factor experiments and then critical parameters were investigated by a 23 full factorial central composite design (CCD) to optimize extract conditions. Under optimal conditions, the yields of genistein and apigenin were 0.628 mg/g and 0.359 mg/g, which represented an increase of 44.70% and 53.05%, respectively, compared to standard NPCE. Furthermore, from DPPH scavenging activity test the extract of E-NPCE showed better antioxidant activity than these of other methods. The results demonstrated that E-NPCE would have lower energy consumption, higher efficiency and could be an alternative method for natural compounds extraction.

► The enzyme pretreatment was effective and environmentally friendly.
► Negative-pressure cavitation extraction is a cheap and energy efficient method.
► After E-NPCE, the extraction yields were higher than those from NPCE and USE.
► Research on the pigeon pea roots is scanty, so our research is meaningful.