Processes for the Extraction of Bioactives from Seeds

Alkaloids

• Morphine and Codeine - These alkaloids are found in the seed pods of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Both are potent analgesics and are used in medicine for pain relief.
• Nicotine - This alkaloid is found in the seeds (as well as the leaves) of the tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum and related species).
• Strychnine - Found in the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree. It is a potent neurotoxin and can be lethal in high doses.
• Caffeine - Present in the seeds of several plants, including coffee (Coffea spp.), cacao (Theobroma cacao), and tea (Camellia sinensis). Caffeine is a stimulant and is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world.
• Quinine - The seeds and bark of the Cinchona tree contain quinine. It has antimalarial properties and was historically the primary treatment for malaria.

Sterols

• Sunflower Seeds - These seeds contain a significant amount of plant sterols, particularly beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol.
• Sesame Seeds - These are another good source of plant sterols, including beta-sitosterol and campesterol.
• Pumpkin Seeds - Contain a variety of plant sterols, with beta-sitosterol being the most abundant.
• Flaxseeds (Linseeds) - Their sterols include beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol.
• Rapeseeds (Canola) - Canola oil, derived from the seeds of the canola plant, is a rich source of plant sterols, including sitosterol, campesterol, and brassicasterol.

Lignans

• Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) - This is the primary lignan found in flaxseeds and is one of the most commonly consumed lignans in a typical Western diet. It is broken down in the body into the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone, which can exert various biological effects.
• Pinoresinol and lariciresinol - These lignans are found in sunflower seeds and poppy seeds and are metabolized into enterolignans in the body.
• Sesamin and Sesamolin - These are specific lignans found in sesame seeds. Sesamin has been studied for a variety of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and potential benefits for heart health.
• Matairesinol - This lignan is present in the seeds of several plants, including flax, seasme, rye, pumpkin, and sunflower.

Glycosides

• Cyanogenic Glycosides - hese are found in several types of seeds, including apple seeds, peach pits, and apricot kernels. When these seeds are chewed or digested, the cyanogenic glycosides can release cyanide, which can be toxic in high amounts. However, the small amounts in these seeds are generally not harmful unless consumed in very large quantities.
• Cardiac Glycosides - These are found in the seeds and leaves of some plants like foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). They have been used in medicine to help regulate heart function.
• Flavonoid Glycosides - Common in a variety of seeds. For example, quercetin glycosides, a type of flavonoid glycoside, can be found in onion seeds.
• Saponin Glycosides - Found in many types of seeds, including quinoa and soybeans. They have a variety of potential health benefits but can also interfere with nutrient absorption in large amounts.
• Anthraquinone Glycosides - Present in the seeds of certain plants like senna and rhubarb. They have a laxative effect and are used in some herbal remedies for constipation.
• Glucosinolates - Sulphur-containing glycosides found in the seeds of cruciferous vegetables like mustard, broccoli, and cabbage. They can break down into various compounds with potential health benefits, including indoles and isothiocyanates.

Anthocyanins

• Chia Seeds - Black chia seeds contain a certain amount of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin and delphinidin derivatives, which contribute to their dark coluor.
• Black Soybean - Black soybean seeds have anthocyanins in their seed coat, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, and peonidin-3-glucoside.
• Grape Seeds (from dark grapes) - Grape seeds from dark-coloured grapes contain several anthocyanins, including malvidin, peonidin, and cyanidin.
• Black Sesame Seeds - Black sesame seeds have anthocyanins, specifically cyanidin-3-glucoside, that contribute to their black colour.

Flavonoids

• Flavonols - Flavonols are often found in high amounts in seeds. Examples include quercetin and kaempferol, which have been studied for their potential health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Isoflavones - Soybean seeds are rich in isoflavones like genistein and daidzein. They have been studied for their potential benefits to heart health and hormone regulation.
• Flavan-3-ols - These include compounds like catechins, which are found in certain seeds like grape seeds and have antioxidant properties.
• Flavanones - Examples of flavones in seeds include apigenin in celery seeds, luteolin in parsley seeds, and tricetin and tricin in chia seeds.
• Proanthocyanidins - Also known as condensed tannins, these are complex flavonoid polymers found in many types of seeds, including grape seeds and cranberry seeds. They have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Terpenoids

• Carotenoids - This terpenoid provides the yellow, orange, and red colors found in many plants. Carotenoids are found in the seeds of many plants, including corn and tomatoes.
• Ginkgolides - Found in the seeds of Ginkgo biloba and have been studied for their potential medicinal properties, including as anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic agents.
• Artemisinin - This is a sesquiterpene lactone (a type of terpenoid) found in the seeds and leaves of Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood). It is used as an anti-malarial drug.
• Sesquiterpene lactones - Found in many plant seeds, sesquiterpene lactones are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects. Some seeds of the Asteraceae family, such as sunflower seeds, contain these terpenoids.
• Monoterpenes - Certain seeds, such as fennel and dill, contain monoterpenes like limonene and carvone, which give these seeds their characteristic aromas.
• Saponins - Saponins, which are glycosylated terpenoids, are found in a variety of seeds including quinoa and fenugreek.

Herbal Leaf Extracts

Bark Extracts

Root Extracts

Flower Extracts

Fruit and Vegetable

Identification of High-Value Chemicals

Develop an Optimised Extraction Protocol

Separation and Purification of Target Chemical(s)

Application Testing of Extract or Separated Components

Technoeconomic Analysis of the Process

Betulin - UNRAVEL Project

SteamBioAfrica Project

Bioactives Profiling of Tropical Trees