Phytochemical profiling of wastes from the processing of shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) and pharmacological potentials within the paradigm of circular bioeconomy: Emphasizing antioxidant and antidiabetic applications

Abstract

Shea butter is a natural fat that is extracted from the kernels of the shea butter tree, and it is widely used in food preparation, cosmetics, and therapeutic practices. Shea trees are prevalent across Africa, and the traditional extraction methods produce significant wastes. However, there is dearth of information on the phytochemical profiling of these wastes and their potential biomedical values. Thus, this study conducted a thorough phytochemical investigation of the shea butter wastes from different processing stages, including brown and black shea cakes (SNC1 and SNC2), shea nut shells (SNS), and shea nut wastewater (SNWW). By using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), the bioactive chemicals in these wastes were identified and quantified. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the wastes were investigated for their potential pharmacological applications. The maximum antioxidant activities obtained at 60 mg/ml revealed DPPH radical scavenging of 62.34 % for SNC1, ferric reducing power of 68.13 % for SNC2, H₂O₂ radical scavenging of 38.46 % for SNS, and nitric oxide scavenging of 35.13 % for SNWW indicating their potentials in combating oxidative stress. Additionally, the promising anti-diabetic activity, with alpha-amylase inhibition reaching 84.74 % for SNS at 60 mg/ml highlights their potential in diabetes management. This study provides a holistic understanding of shea butter wastes, unraveling their chemical complexity and exploring their pharmacological potentials. It not only expands our knowledge of shea butter wastes, but also unlocks new avenues for utilization of the wastes in various industries, thereby contributing to waste management and sustainable exploitation of shea resources.