Influence of the Drying Method on the Phytochemical Composition of Ethanolic Extracts of Avocado Seeds (Persea americana)

Abstract

Plants constitute an important source of bioactive compounds that confer various medicinal and pharmacological properties. Due to this potential, their valorization represents a major challenge in the fields of scientific research, pharmacology, and industry. Interest in avocado has continued to grow in recent years, and although studies on its phytochemical composition are becoming increasingly numerous, those dedicated to the seed are still in their early stages. From the perspective of agro-food by-product valorization, a phytochemical screening was carried out on ethanolic extracts of avocado seeds obtained after sun drying and shade drying. The analyses revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in both extracts. However, the absence of anthocyanins was observed in the shade-dried samples, whereas sterols and triterpenes were absent in the sun-dried samples. A complete absence of coumarins, alkaloids, and carotenoids was also noted in all extracts. Although the phytochemical composition of avocado seeds may be influenced by processing conditions, it nevertheless highlights a richness in relatively stable phenolic compounds, reflecting a strong antioxidant potential. These results therefore suggest a possible valorization of avocado seed extracts in industry, particularly as a source of natural antioxidants for the preservation of edible oils. In pharmacology, these extracts could also constitute a promising source of bioactive compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and insulin-regulating activities, thereby opening perspectives for the development of pharmaceutical products.