Mini review of unlocking the hidden potential for valorization of dragon fruit peels through green extraction methods

What if the secret to sustainable industry was hidden in the peels you throw away? Dragon fruit peels, often discarded as waste, are packed with bioactive compounds that green extraction methods can turn into valuable resources.

Dragon fruit, with its vibrant colors and unique flavor, is a tropical favorite. But while the pulp gets all the attention, the peels are usually tossed aside, creating environmental headaches. Recent studies, however, reveal that these peels are far from useless—they harbor bioactive compounds with real potential.

This mini review explores how green extraction techniques, like microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and supercritical fluid extraction, can efficiently unlock these hidden treasures. Additional purification steps, such as filtration or chromatography, can further concentrate the extracts for high-purity applications.

The payoff is impressive: these peel extracts show antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and even anticancer properties. They could serve as natural food colorants, functional ingredients, or additives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. By turning waste into worth, we reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals and nudge industries toward sustainability.

Key Points

• Dragon fruit peels contain valuable bioactive compounds.
• Green extraction methods optimize yield and efficiency.
• Extracts show antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer potential.