Valorisation of wild cardoon leaf by-product: Extraction, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and nanoformulation

Masala, Valentina

Primo

;Demuro, Simona;Serreli, Gabriele;Kranjac, Marina;Simola, Nicola;Deiana, Monica;Tuberoso, Carlo I. G.

;Caddeo, Carla

Ultimo

2026-01-01

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Abstract

Wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus subsp. cardunculus L.) is an endemic plant of the Mediterranean basin with nutritional and health properties. Herein, fresh wild cardoon leaf by-product was extracted with either a 20:80% v/v EtOH:H2O or an 80:20% v/v EtOH:H2O mixture (WCE1 and WCE2, respectively). The quali-quantitative profiles of the two extracts were analysed by LC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS and HPLC-PDA, revealing hydroxycinnamic acids as the predominant phenolic compounds, followed by flavonoids. WCE2, the extract richest in phenolic compounds was incorporated into nanosized enteric polymer-coated liposomes, which exhibited a high entrapment efficiency. The extract's nanoformulation showed antioxidant properties in in vitro cell-free and cell-based models as well as good stability during storage and in both simulated and ex vivo gastrointestinal fluids. Overall, the wild cardoon leaf extract incorporated into polymer-coated liposomes for oral delivery was demonstrated to be a valuable source of antioxidants, thus offering opportunities for their valorisation into functional foods.