Bioactive Compound Extraction from Peanut By-products
Summary
Peanut processing generates substantial by-products, notably skins, hulls and shells, which are rich in bioactive molecules such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and peptides. Advances in extraction technology—including solvent‐based methods, ultrasound‐ and microwave‐assisted processes, supercritical fluid extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis—have culminated in improved yields, reduced solvent use and enhanced purity of target compounds. Key challenges remain in scaling up green extraction approaches, optimising selectivity and ensuring reproducibility across diverse peanut cultivars. The recovered compounds exhibit potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, enzyme inhibitory and anticancer properties, supporting applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Valorisation of peanut by-products aligns with principles of circular bioeconomy and offers economic opportunities for growers and processors, particularly in regions where peanut cultivation plays a pivotal role in rural livelihoods.
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Bioactive Compound Extraction from Peanut By-products publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bioactive compound extraction from peanut by-products across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Bioactive compound: A naturally occurring molecule that exerts a biological effect, such as antioxidant or anticancer activity.
Phenolic compound: A class of plant secondary metabolites characterised by one or more hydroxyl groups attached to an aromatic ring, known for free‐radical scavenging.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction: A technique that employs acoustic cavitation to improve solvent penetration and mass transfer, enhancing yield and reducing extraction time.
Supercritical fluid extraction: An advanced method using fluids at supercritical conditions (e.g., CO₂) to selectively solubilise and recover target compounds with minimal solvent residues.
Enzymatic hydrolysis: The use of specific enzymes to cleave complex plant matrices, liberating bound bioactive molecules and improving extractability.
References
- In Vitro Digestion of Peanut Skin Releases Bioactive Compounds and Increases Cancer Cell Toxicity. Antioxidants (2023).
- Peanut Skin Color: A Biomarker for Total Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidative Capacities of Peanut Cultivars. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2009).
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