Work

Development of a novel sugar-free functional beverage containing pistachio green hull extract

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to develop a novel phenolic-rich functional beverage utilizing pistachio green hull extract (PGHE) and to evaluate its physicochemical and sensory properties . An acute oral toxicity evaluation demonstrated that LD 50 of extract is greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight of Wistar rats. The optimized formulation of the functional beverage was determined using response surface methodology (RSM). Different concentrations of PGHE, stevia, mannitol, and vanilla, along with constant concentrations of Arabic gum (0.5 % w/v) and ascorbic acid (0.04 % w/v), were used to prepare pistachio green hull based beverages. Total phenolic content (TPC) and IC 50 were considered as dependent variables. The optimized formulation, based on maximum TPC and antioxidant activity , was identified, and sensory results indicated that functional beverage 1 (FB1, containing 8.0 % PGHE, 0.18 % stevia, 2.0 % mannitol, and 0.39 % w/v vanilla) is the best formulation. The FB1 showed L*= 14.83 ± 0.19, a*= 1.53 ± 0.05, b*= 12.45 ± 0.10, pH= 4.63 ± 0.01, and °Brix= 11.95 ± 0.07. To enhance the marketability of the optimized functional beverage, the concentration of PGHE and the flavor type were changed. Sensory evaluation of prepared formulations showed that functional beverage A (FB-A, containing 2.0 % w/v PGHE and 2.0 %v/v saffron extract) is more acceptable. The stability assessment of the optimized formulation, FB1, during two months of storage (4 °C) showed that TPC and IC 50 remained unchanged. Overall, FB1 formulation has the potential to serve as a beneficial nutraceutical beverage, harnessing the health-promoting effects of all its ingredients, particularly PGHE.

Source: Applied Food Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.afres.2025.100926

Authors: Maedeh Tavakoli, Mohsen Barzegar, Mohammad Ali Sahari, Narges Hosseinmardi

Institutions: Tarbiat Modares University, Shahid Beheshti University, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities

Subfield: Biochemistry

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,050