Bioactive Compounds and Extraction Techniques from Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) has emerged as a multipurpose crop beyond its traditional fibre applications, owing to an array of bioactive constituents distributed across its leaves, stems, seeds and flowers. Key compound classes include phenolic acids (such as chlorogenic and sinapic acids), flavonoids (notably kaempferol glycosides), polysaccharides, tocopherols and phytosterols. These molecules confer antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, making kenaf promising for food, feed, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses. Extraction techniques have evolved from conventional solvent maceration to more efficient and greener approaches: ultrasonic-assisted extraction leverages acoustic cavitation to enhance mass transfer; supercritical fluid extraction employs pressurised CO₂ to solubilise lipophilic targets; microwave-assisted extraction uses dielectric heating to disrupt cell walls; and enzyme-assisted methods facilitate release of bound phenolics. Optimisation of solvent polarity, temperature, pressure and time has improved yields and selectivity while reducing environmental impact. Organ-specific profiling reveals that young leaves accumulate higher flavonoid levels, seeds are rich in oil-soluble antioxidants, and stem byproducts offer exploitable phenolics. Current efforts focus on scalable, sustainable processes, cultivar selection for high-value phytochemicals and integration of kenaf residues into zero-waste biorefineries.

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Bioactive Compounds and Extraction Techniques from Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in bioactive compounds and extraction techniques from kenaf (hibiscus cannabinus l.) across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Phenolic compounds: Plant secondary metabolites possessing one or more aromatic rings with hydroxyl groups, responsible for antioxidant activity.

Flavonoids: A subclass of phenolics with a characteristic C6–C3–C6 structure, noted for free-radical scavenging and enzyme modulation.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction: A technique using high-frequency sound waves to induce cavitation in solvents, improving cell disruption and solute release.

Supercritical fluid extraction: Extraction using a fluid (commonly CO₂) above its critical temperature and pressure, combining gas-like diffusivity and liquid-like solvating power.

Antioxidant activity: The capacity of a substance to neutralise reactive oxygen species or free radicals, measured by assays such as DPPH, ABTS and FRAP.

References

1. Antioxidant Activities in Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) Shoots during Growth Stages and Destination of Chlorogenic Acid and Kaempferol Glycosides. Antioxidants (2024).
2. Binary Solvent Extraction System and Extraction Time Effects on Phenolic Antioxidants from Kenaf Seeds (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Extracted by a Pulsed Ultrasonic‐Assisted Extraction. The Scientific World JOURNAL (2014).
3. Chemical composition of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed oil. Industrial Crops and Products (1995).
4. Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Hibiscus cannabinus L. Seed Extracts after Sequential Solvent Extraction. Molecules (2012).
5. Cytotoxic Activity of Kenaf Seed Oils from Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid Extraction towards Human Colorectal Cancer (HT29) Cell Lines. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013).
6. Polysaccharides, Total Phenolic, and Flavonoid Content from Different Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Genotypes and Their Antioxidants and Antibacterial Properties. Plants (2021).
7. Bioactivities of Kenaf Biomass Extracts: A Review. Processes (2023).
8. Potential significance of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) to global food and feed industries. Cogent Food & Agriculture (2023).