Emerging technologies are being explored to improve extraction yields of phytochemicals or high-value biological compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extraction of lupeol, α-, and β-amyrin from fruit, leaf and stem of the sea grape tree (Coccoloba uvifera L.) using technologies such as Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE) and High Hydrostatic Pressure Extraction (HHPE). Results were compared to conventional extraction (maceration). Analysis with thin-layer chromatography revealed the presence of lupeol in all studied parts of the tree. Optimal extraction conditions for UAE and HHPE were found; the highest concentration of triterpenes was obtained by UAE after evaluating conventional and non-conventional techniques. Finally, analysis of different tree parts and other vegetable sources showed that the best source of triterpenes was the leaf.
Keywords: High hydrostatic pressures; Leaf; Sea grape; Triterpenes; Ultrasound.