Towards a zero-waste biorefinery using edible oils as solvents for the green extraction of volatile and non-volatile bioactive compounds from rosemary

What if your kitchen oil could unlock the hidden potential of rosemary leaves, turning waste into a treasure trove of natural antioxidants and flavors? A new study shows that edible oils, especially soybean oil, can do just that.

The zero-waste biorefinery concept just got a delicious twist. Researchers have discovered that simple vegetable oils, like the ones in your pantry, can serve as eco-friendly solvents to extract both volatile and non-volatile bioactive compounds from rosemary leaves. These compounds include familiar aroma molecules like limonene and eucalyptol, alongside powerful antioxidants such as carnosic and rosmarinic acid.

Key Points

• Soybean oil yields highest total phenolic compounds among 12 oils.
• Oil derivatives boost antioxidant extraction by 66.7%.
• Volatile aroma compound solvation improved by 16% with additives.