Influence of extraction technique on the anti-oxidative potential of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) extracts in bovine muscle homogenates

Six extracts were prepared from hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) leaves and flowers (HLF) and berries (HB) using solid-liquid [traditional (_T) (HLF_T, HB_T), sonicated (_S) (HLF_S, HB_S)] and supercritical fluid (_C) extraction (HLF_C, HB_C) techniques. The antioxidant activities of HLF and HB extracts were characterised using in vitro antioxidant assays (TPC, DPPH, FRAP) and in 25% bovine muscle (longissimus lumborum) homogenates (lipid oxidation (TBARS), oxymyoglobin (% of total myoglobin)) after 24h storage at 4°C. Hawthorn extracts exhibited varying degrees of antioxidant potency. In vitro and muscle homogenate (TBARS) antioxidant activity followed the order: HLF_S>HLF_T and HB_T>HB_S. In supercritical fluid extracts, HLF_C>HB_C (in vitro antioxidant activity) and HLF_C≈HB_C (TBARS). All extracts (except HB_S) reduced oxymyoglobin oxidation. The HLF_S extract had the highest antioxidant activity in all test systems. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) exhibited potential as a technique for the manufacture of functional ingredients (antioxidants) from hawthorn for use in muscle foods.