Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition

Abstract

The invention relates to a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition comprising at least 5000 μg / g of gallic acid and at least 2500 μg / g of total flavan-3-ols. The invention also relates to a use of a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition and an edible product or a cosmetic product comprising a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition. Further, the invention also relates to a process for producing a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

Description

[0001] Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition

[0002] This invention relates to a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition, a use thereof and an edible product or a cosmetic product comprising a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition. This invention also relates to a process for producing a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0003] Background

[0004] The listing or discussion of an apparently prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

[0005] Vitellaria paradoxa, formerly known as Butyrosepermum parkii, is commonly known as shea, shi or vitellaria. Shea nuts are obtained from the shea tree, which is endemic to the savannah of West Africa. The nut consists of a kernel surrounded by a shell. The nut is further surrounded by pulp (forming the shea fruit), which must be removed in order to obtain the shea nut.

[0006] Shea butter is a valuable fat extracted from the nuts of Vitellaria paradoxa and is widely used in cosmetic products. Shea butter is also used to produce shea stearin in order to make cocoa butter equivalents for confectionery applications. However, after extracting shea butter, shea nut residue is generally considered as waste, or only for feed.

[0007] Shea contains phenolic compounds having antioxidant activity that might be suitable for food application or cosmetic application. However, it has not been known whether and how phenolic compounds could be extracted from shea nut residue.

[0008] WO 2011 / 122278 is directed to a method for extracting shea butter. Steven Maranz et al., J. Agric. Food Chem. 2003, 51, 6268-6273, describes phenolic constituents of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) kernels. Quan V. Vuong et al., J. Sep. Sci. 2010, 33, 3415-3428 relates to extraction and isolation of catechins from tea. There remains a need for a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition containing a high level of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and flavan-3-ols which provide functional antioxidant properties. There is a further need that such an extract composition could be easily obtained from de-oiled shea nut residue in order to provide additional value to the waste generated during the process of extracting shea butter from shea nuts. There is also a need to provide a process for efficiently extracting phenolic compounds from de-oiled shea nut residue in good yield.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition comprising at least 5000 pg / g of gallic acid and at least 2500 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols.

[0011] For the avoidance of doubt, as used herein (and unless otherwise stated), the concentration in pg / g of a stated component or components, such as gallic acid or total flavan-3-ols, is based on the extract composition, i.e. the total (whole) content of the extract composition.

[0012] It is believed that the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition has a concentrated content of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and flavan-3-ols desirable for use as an additive for food application and / or cosmetic application in order to improve antioxidant properties.

[0013] The term "Vitellaria paradoxa" refers to the species in the genus Vitellaria, formerly known as Butyrospermum parkii. It is also commonly known as shea or shi.

[0014] The term "gallic acid" refers to 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, which is classified as a phenolic acid.

[0015] The term "flavan-3-ol" refers to derivatives of flavanols that have 2-phenyl-3,4- dihydro-2H-chromen-3-ol as the functional moiety or backbone; a subgroup of flavonoids. It includes compounds such as catechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, etc.. As used herein, articles such as "a" and "an" when used in a claim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

[0016] The content and identity of gallic acid and flavan-3-ols in the compositions of the invention may be measured and characterized by commercial analytical laboratories such as Reading Scientific Services Ltd., Functional Ingredients Group, Berkshire, UK ("RSSL"). A measuring method using reverse-phase HPLC in order to determine catechins is also suggested in Quan V. Vuong et al., J. Sep. Sci. 2010, 33, 3415-3428.

[0017] The extract composition according to the invention preferably is not extracted with methanol. Methanol is believed not to have a desirable combination of toxicological and solvent properties for use in accordance with the invention.

[0018] The extract composition according to the invention preferably comprises from 5000 pg / g to 50000 pg / g of gallic acid, more preferably from 5100 pg / g to 25000 pg / g, even more preferably from 5200 pg / g to 15000 pg / g and most preferably from 5200 pg / g to 10000 pg / g.

[0019] The extract composition according to the invention preferably comprises from 2500 pg / g to 25000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, more preferably from 2600 pg / g to 20000 pg / g, even more preferably from 2700 pg / g to 15000 pg / g and most preferably from 2800 pg / g to 10000 pg / g.

[0020] The extract composition according to the invention particularly preferably comprises from 4000 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, more particularly preferably from 6000 pg / g to 12000 pg / g and even more particularly preferably from 8000 pg / g to 10000 pg / g.

[0021] In a preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5000 pg / g to 50000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 2500 pg / g to 25000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols. In a more preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5100 pg / g to 25000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 2600 pg / g to 20000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols.

[0022] In an even more preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5200 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 2700 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols.

[0023] In a most preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5200 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 2800 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols.

[0024] In a particularly preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5000 pg / g to 20000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 4000 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols.

[0025] In a more particularly preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 7000 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 6000 pg / g to 12000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols.

[0026] In an even more particularly preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 8000 pg / g to 12000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 8000 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols.

[0027] The weight ratio of total flavan-3-ols to gallic acid in the extract composition according to the invention is preferably at most 1.30, more preferably from 0.20 to 1.20, even more preferably from 0.30 to 1.10 and most preferably from 0.40 to 1.00.

[0028] The weight ratio of total flavan-3-ols to gallic acid in the extract composition according to the invention is particularly preferably from 0.75 to 1.20, more particularly preferably from 0.80 to 1.10 and even more particularly preferably from 0.85 to 1.00. The weight ratio of gallic acid to total flavan-3-ols in the extract composition according to the invention is alternatively from 0.75 to 1.20, more particularly preferably from 0.80 to 1.10 and even more particularly preferably from 0.85 to 1.00.

[0029] In a preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5000 pg / g to 50000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 2500 pg / g to 25000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, wherein the weight ratio of total flavan- 3-ols to gallic acid is at most 1.30.

[0030] In a more preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5100 pg / g to 25000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 2600 pg / g to 20000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, wherein the weight ratio of total flavan-3-ols to gallic acid is from 0.20 to 1.20.

[0031] In an even more preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5200 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 2700 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, wherein the weight ratio of total flavan-3-ols to gallic acid is from 0.30 to 1.10.

[0032] In a most preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5200 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 2800 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, wherein the weight ratio of total flavan-3-ols to gallic acid is from 0.40 to 1.00.

[0033] In a particularly preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 5000 pg / g to 20000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 4000 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, wherein the weight ratio of total flavan-3-ols to gallic acid is from 0.75 to 1.20.

[0034] In a more particularly preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 7000 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 6000 pg / g to 12000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, wherein the weight ratio of total flavan-3-ols to gallic acid is from 0.80 to 1.10. In an even more particularly preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention comprises from 8000 pg / g to 12000 pg / g of gallic acid and from 8000 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, wherein the weight ratio of total flavan-3-ols to gallic acid is from 0.85 to 1.00.

[0035] The extract composition according to the invention preferably comprises from 150 pg / g to 2000 pg / g of gallocatechin (GC), more preferably from 160 pg / g to 1500 pg / g, even more preferably from 170 pg / g to 1200 pg / g and most preferably from 180 pg / g to 1000 pg / g.

[0036] The extract composition according to the invention particularly preferably comprises from 450 pg / g to 2000 pg / g of gallocatechin (GC), more particularly preferably from 550 pg / g to 1200 pg / g and even more particularly preferably from 750 pg / g to 1000 pg / g.

[0037] The extract composition according to the invention preferably comprises from 1500 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of epigallocatechin (EGC), more preferably from 1600 pg / g to 12000 pg / g, even more preferably from 1750 pg / g to 10000 pg / g and most preferably from 1900 pg / g to 8000 pg / g.

[0038] The extract composition according to the invention particularly preferably comprises from 2000 pg / g to 12000 pg / g of epigallocatechin (EGC), more particularly preferably from 3000 pg / g to 10000 pg / g and even more particularly preferably from 5500 pg / g to 9000 pg / g.

[0039] The extract composition according to the invention preferably comprises from 50 pg / g to 2000 pg / g of catechin, more preferably from 60 pg / g to 1000 pg / g, even more preferably from 65 pg / g to 500 pg / g and most preferably from 70 pg / g to 300 pg / g.

[0040] The extract composition according to the invention particularly preferably comprises from 150 pg / g to 1500 pg / g of catechin, more particularly preferably from 180 pg / g to 600 pg / g and even more particularly preferably from 200 pg / g to 400 pg / g. The extract composition according to the invention preferably comprises from 30 pg / g to 1000 pg / g of epicatechin (EC), more preferably from 40 pg / g to 500 pg / g, even more preferably from 45 pg / g to 300 pg / g and most preferably from 50 pg / g to 200 pg / g.

[0041] The extract composition according to the invention particularly preferably comprises from 50 pg / g to 800 pg / g of epicatechin (EC), more particularly preferably from 100 pg / g to 400 pg / g and even more particularly preferably from 120 pg / g to 250 pg / g.

[0042] The extract composition according to the invention preferably comprises from 100 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), more preferably from 200 pg / g to 5000 pg / g, even more preferably from 250 pg / g to 2500 pg / g and most preferably from 300 pg / g to 1500 pg / g.

[0043] The extract composition according to the invention particularly preferably comprises from 700 pg / g to 5000 pg / g of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), more particularly preferably from 900 pg / g to 3000 pg / g and even more particularly preferably from 1100 pg / g to 2000 pg / g.

[0044] The extract composition according to the invention preferably comprises from 50 pg / g to 5000 pg / g of gallocatechin gallate, more preferably from 80 pg / g to 2500 pg / g, even more preferably from 90 pg / g to 1500 pg / g and most preferably from 100 pg / g to 800 pg / g.

[0045] The extract composition according to the invention particularly preferably comprises from 200 pg / g to 2000 pg / g of gallocatechin gallate, more particularly preferably from 300 pg / g to 1200 pg / g and even more particularly preferably from 400 pg / g to 1000 pg / g.

[0046] The extract composition according to the invention preferably comprises from 30 pg / g to 1500 pg / g of epicatechin gallate (ECG), more preferably from 50 pg / g to 1000 pg / g, even more preferably from 60 pg / g to 800 pg / g and most preferably from 70 pg / g to 500 pg / g. The extract composition according to the invention particularly preferably comprises from 100 pg / g to 1200 pg / g of epicatechin gallate (ECG), more particularly preferably from 200 pg / g to 800 pg / g and even more particularly preferably from 250 pg / g to 600 pg / g.

[0047] In a preferred aspect, the extract composition according to the invention comprises from 150 pg / g to 2000 pg / g of gallocatechin (GC); from 1500 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of epigallocatechin (EGC); from 50 pg / g to 2000 pg / g of catechin; from 30 pg / g to 1000 pg / g of epicatechin (EC); from 100 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); from 50 pg / g to 5000 pg / g of gallocatechin gallate; and from 30 pg / g to 1500 pg / g of epicatechin gallate (ECG).

[0048] In a more preferred aspect, the extract composition according to the invention comprises from 160 pg / g to 1500 pg / g of gallocatechin (GC); from 1600 pg / g to 12000 pg / g of epigallocatechin (EGC); from 60 pg / g to 1000 pg / g of catechin; from 40 pg / g to 500 pg / g of epicatechin (EC); from 200 pg / g to 5000 pg / g of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); from 80 pg / g to 2500 pg / g of gallocatechin gallate; and from 50 pg / g to 1000 pg / g of epicatechin gallate (ECG).

[0049] In an even more preferred aspect, the extract composition according to the invention comprises from 170 pg / g to 1200 pg / g of gallocatechin (GC); from 1750 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of epigallocatechin (EGC); from 65 pg / g to 500 pg / g of catechin; from 45 pg / g to 300 pg / g of epicatechin (EC); from 250 pg / g to 2500 pg / g of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); from 90 pg / g to 1500 pg / g of gallocatechin gallate; and from 60 pg / g to 800 pg / g of epicatechin gallate (ECG).

[0050] In a most preferred aspect, the extract composition according to the invention comprises from 180 pg / g to 1000 pg / g of gallocatechin (GC); from 1900 pg / g to 8000 pg / g of epigallocatechin (EGC); from 70 pg / g to 300 pg / g of catechin; from 50 pg / g to 200 pg / g of epicatechin (EC); from 300 pg / g to 1500 pg / g of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); from 100 pg / g to 800 pg / g of gallocatechin gallate; and from 70 pg / g to 500 pg / g of epicatechin gallate (ECG).

[0051] The extract composition according to the invention is preferably in form of powder. The invention also relates to use of a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention in an edible product, a cosmetic product or a feed product. Preferably, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention is used in a nutritional product, a confectionery product, a bakery product, a culinary product or a plant-based food product. The extract composition according to the invention may be used as antioxidant.

[0052] In a preferred aspect, the invention relates to use of a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention in a cosmetic product such as skin care product, shampoo, shower gel, antiperspirant, fragrance, make-up, soap, sunscreen or toothpaste.

[0053] In another preferred aspect, the invention relates to use of a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention in a nutritional product such as dietary supplement, energy bar or milkshake.

[0054] In yet another preferred aspect, the invention relates to use of a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention in a confectionery product such as chocolate, a chocolate-like product, a filling, a coating, an icing, ice cream, whipped cream, candy or a confectionery spread.

[0055] In yet another preferred aspect, the invention relates to use of a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention in a bakery product such as cake, puff pastry, donut, pizza, bread, pastry or croissant.

[0056] In yet another preferred aspect, the invention relates to use of a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention in a culinary product such as frying oil, fried foods or sauce.

[0057] In yet another preferred aspect, the invention relates to use of a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention in a plant-based food such as plant-based meat, plant-based cheese, plant-based ice-cream, plantbased spread, plant-based margarine or plant-based whipped cream. The invention also relates to an edible product or a cosmetic product comprising a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention. The edible product or the cosmetic product preferably comprising from 0.01% to 10.0% by weight of the extract composition according to the invention, more preferably from 0.01% to 8.0% by weight and even more preferably from 0.05% to 5.0% by weight.

[0058] The invention also relates to a process for producing a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition, which comprising the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil and obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue (also referred to herein as shea cake); e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0059] Preferably, the process disclosed herein is for producing a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention.

[0060] Preferably, in step a) of the process according to the invention, the nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa are cleaned.

[0061] Preferably, in step b) of the process according to the invention, the expelling involves steam treatment and / or physical pressing such as screw pressing.

[0062] In an embodiment in step c) of the process of the invention, the solvent is not methanol. Preferably, in step c) of the process according to the invention, the first solvent is selected from a group consisting of hexane, acetone, isopropanol, ethanol, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and mixtures thereof. More preferably, in step c) of the process according to the invention, the first solvent comprises hexane. Even more preferably, in step c) of the process according to the invention, the first solvent is hexane.

[0063] In a preferred aspect, the removing in step d) of the process according to the invention is carried out by decanting and / or filtration, optionally with removal of any residual solvent under vacuum, e.g. by distillation.

[0064] In step e) of the process according to the invention, the ratio of the weight of deoiled residue to the volume of the second solvent is preferably from 1: 5 (g / mL) to 1 :35 (g / mL), more preferably from 1: 10 (g / mL) to 1 :30 (g / mL), even more preferably from 1 : 15 (g / mL) to 1 :25 (g / mL) and most preferably from 1 : 18 (g / mL) to 1:22 (g / mL).

[0065] In step e) of the process according to the invention, the mixing is carried out at a temperature of from 20°C to 80°C, more preferably from 40°C to 75°C and even more preferably from 55°C to 70°C.

[0066] In step e) of the process according to the invention, the second solvent preferably has a dielectric constant at 20°C of at least 15, more preferably from 18 to 90 and even more preferably from 19 to 80. In a particularly preferred aspect, the second solvent in step e) of the process according to the invention has a dielectric constant at 20°C of at least 23. In a more particularly preferred aspect, the second solvent in step e) of the process according to the invention has a dielectric constant at 20°C of at least 40. In an even more particularly preferred aspect, the second solvent in step e) of the process according to the invention has a dielectric constant at 20°C of from 45 to 78.

[0067] The term "dielectric constant", also known as relative permittivity, refers to the permittivity of a material expressed as a ratio with the electric permittivity of a vacuum. For example, Gosta Akerlof, The Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 54, No. 11, November 1932 discloses the method to measure dielectric constants of some organic solvents and some organic solvent-water mixtures and the values thereof. In an embodiment in step e) of the process of the invention, the solvent is not methanol. In step e) of the process according to the invention, the second solvent is preferably selected from a group consisting of acetone, ethanol, water, acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl sulfoxide, propylene carbonate, ethyl methyl ketone, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, formamide, hexamethylphosphoramide, isopropyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, N-methylpyrrolidone, methanol, nitrobenzene, nitromethane, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the second solvent is selected from a group consisting of acetone, ethanol, a mixture of acetone and water and a mixture of ethanol and water.

[0068] In step e) of the process according to the invention, the second solvent preferably comprises form 30% to 70% by volume of water and more preferably from 40% to 60% by volume of water.

[0069] In an alternative aspect, the second solvent in step e) of the process according to the invention is acetone.

[0070] In a preferred aspect, the second solvent in step e) of the process according to the invention is ethanol.

[0071] In a preferred aspect, the second solvent in step e) of the process according to the invention is a mixture of ethanol and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30.

[0072] In another preferred aspect, the second solvent in step e) of the process according to the invention is a mixture of acetone and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30.

[0073] In a more preferred aspect, the second solvent in step e) of the process according to the invention is a mixture of ethanol and water in a volume ratio of 50:50 or a mixture of acetone and water in a volume ratio of 50: 50.

[0074] In a preferred aspect, the separating in step f) of the process according to the invention is carried out by filtration. In a preferred aspect, the separating in step g) of the process according to the invention is carried out by evaporating the second solvent under reduced pressure, e.g. using a rotary evaporator.

[0075] Preferably, the process according to the invention uses only two extraction steps.

[0076] In a preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and / or physical pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent selected from a group consisting of hexane, acetone, isopropanol, ethanol, 2- methyltetra hydrofuran and mixtures thereof; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1 : 5 (g / mL) to 1:35 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 20°C to 80°C; wherein the second solvent has a dielectric constant at 20°C of at least 15; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0077] In a more preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and physical pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent comprising hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1 : 10 (g / mL) to 1:30 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 40°C to 75°C; wherein the second solvent has a dielectric constant at 20°C of from 18 to 90; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0078] In an even more preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steaming treatment and screw pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent comprising hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1: 15 (g / mL) to 1:25 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 55°C to 70°C; wherein the second solvent has a dielectric constant at 20°C of from 19 to 80; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0079] In another more preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and physical pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent comprising hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1: 10 (g / mL) to 1:30 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 40°C to 75°C; wherein the second solvent comprises from 30% to 70% by volume of water; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0080] In another even more preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and physical pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent which is hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1 : 10 (g / mL) to 1:30 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 40°C to 75°C; wherein the second solvent comprises from 40% to 60% by volume of water; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0081] In another most preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and screw pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent comprising hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1 : 10 (g / mL) to 1:30 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 40°C to 75°C; wherein the second solvent comprises a mixture of ethanol and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30 or a mixture of acetone and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0082] In another most preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and screw pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent which is hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1 : 10 (g / mL) to 1:30 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 40°C to 75°C; wherein the second solvent comprises a mixture of ethanol and water in a volume ratio of 50: 50 or a mixture of acetone and water in a volume ratio of 50:50; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction by filtration; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction by evaporation under reduced pressure to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0083] In step e) of the process according to the invention, the mixing preferably includes shear mixing at a speed of at least 5000 rpm, more preferably at a speed of from 8000 rpm to 15000 rpm. Preferably, the mixing in step e) of the process according to the invention includes shear mixing for at least 30 seconds. More preferably, the mixing in step e) of the process according to the invention includes shear mixing for from 1 minute to 120 minutes. Even more preferably the mixing in step e) of the process according to the invention includes shear mixing for from 1 minute to 60 minutes, such as from 1 minute to 30 minutes or from 1 minute to 15 minutes.

[0084] In another preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and physical pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent comprising hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1: 10 (g / mL) to 1:30 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 40°C to 75°C; wherein the second solvent comprises a mixture of ethanol and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30 or a mixture of acetone and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30; wherein the mixing includes shear mixing at a speed of at least 5000 rpm for at least 30 seconds; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0085] In another more preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and physical pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent which is hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1: 10 (g / mL) to 1:30 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 40°C to 75°C; wherein the second solvent comprises a mixture of ethanol and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30 or a mixture of acetone and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30; wherein the mixing includes shear mixing at a speed of from 8000 rpm to 15000 rpm for from 1 minute to 120 minutes; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0086] In another even more preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and screw pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent which is hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1 : 10 (g / mL) to 1:30 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 40°C to 75°C; wherein the second solvent comprises a mixture of ethanol and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30 or a mixture of acetone and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30; wherein the mixing includes shear mixing at a speed of from 8000 rpm to 15000 rpm for from 1 minute to 120 minutes; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction by filtration; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction by evaporation to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0087] In another most preferred aspect, the process according to the invention comprises the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil by steam treatment and screw pressing to obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent which is hexane; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent in a ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent from 1 : 10 (g / mL) to 1:30 (g / mL) at a temperature of from 40°C to 75°C; wherein the second solvent comprises a mixture of ethanol and water in a volume ratio of 50: 50 or a mixture of acetone and water in a volume ratio of 50:50; wherein the mixing includes shear mixing at a speed of from 8000 rpm to 15000 rpm for from 1 minute to 30 minutes; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction by filtration; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction by evaporation under reduced pressure to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

[0088] In a preferred aspect, the Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition obtained in step g) of the process according to the invention is further processed into powder form. This may be achieved by, for example, grinding and / or solvent redispersion and evaporation.

[0089] The Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to the invention is preferably obtained or obtainable by the process according to the invention.

[0090] Preferences and options for a given aspect, embodiment, feature or parameter of the invention should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, embodiments, features and parameters of the invention.

[0091] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed ranges can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as "up to", "at least", "greater than", "less than," and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The following non-limiting examples illustrate the invention and do not limit its scope in any way. In the examples and throughout this specification, all percentages, parts and ratios are by weight unless indicated otherwise.

[0092] Examples

[0093] Example 1 - Extraction from de-oiled shea nut cake

[0094] Shea nuts from shea fruit Vi tel I a ria paradoxa) were collected and cleaned before expelling. The expelling process involved steaming treatment and screw-pressing. The shea cake after physical oil extraction during expelling was further subjected to solvent extraction using hexane. Residual solvent in the de-oiled shea cake was removed by distillation.

[0095] Four solvents were prepared for second solvent extraction step. They are listed in Table 1 as below with their corresponding dielectric constants at 20°C.

[0096] Table 1 - List of solvents used for second solvent extraction

[0097] Both acetone and ethanol were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich with a grade for liquid chromatography LiChrosolv®. Water used herein was demineralized.

[0098] 100 g de-oiled shea cake was mixed with 0.5 L of each solvent respectively in a stainless-steel beaker at high shear with an Ultraturrax stirrer (High shea mixer Ultra Turrax T25, IKA) from 2 minutes at 9500 rpm and subsequently 30 seconds at 13500 rpm. The formed slurry was transferred into a round-bottom flask, diluted with each solvent respectively to a 1 :20 m / v (g / mL) ratio of de-oiled shea cake to solvent, and stirred at 500 rpm at the selected temperature (see Table 2 below) for a total of 5 hours under a nitrogen blanket, using a reflux condenser and overhead stirring motor with a PTFE stirring rod of 75 mm blade.

[0099] Table 2 - List of the selected temperatures for exacting catechin composition

[0100] After 2.5 hours and 5 hours, the slurry was transferred back into the stainless- steel beaker and homogenized at high steer with the Ultraturrax stirrer for 2 minutes at 9500 rpm and subsequently 30 seconds at 13500 rpm.

[0101] The slurry was filtered via vacuum filtration using a Buchner funnel and filter paper (White Ribbon with pore size of 8 pm, Whatman) in order to separate solids and liquid. Solvent was removed from the liquid part using a rotary evaporator at 70°C and reduced pressure (400 mbar towards 10 mbar). The yield of the dry extraction material obtained was calculated as the weight of the residue after evaporation as percentage of the weight of the initial de-oiled shea cake. The dry yield in each experiment is shown in Table 3 as below.

[0102] Table 3 - Dry yields of each extraction composition

[0103] For easy sampling, the residue was redispersed in a small volume of solvent, casted onto baking paper, and dried in a drying stove at 65°C for 40 hours. After 24 hours of drying, the solid extract was taken from the stove and powdered using a mortar and pestle. The formed dry powder was stored in a closed glass vial under nitrogen. It could be seen that the dry yield was highest when using the solvents containing 50% by weight of water.

[0104] Example 2 - Analysis of the extract compositions These samples in closed glass vials under nitrogen at room temperature were sent to Reading Scientific Services Ltd., Functional Ingredients Group, Berkshire, UK ("RSSL"). Measurement and characterization of the phenolic compounds such as flavan-3-ols and gallic acid according to TM-161 method ("Determination of

[0105] Catechins in Green Tea" which is suitable also to measure catechin in shea) by using reversed phase HPLC. The starting material de-oiled shea cake was also measured for phenolic compounds. The composition of phenolic compounds in each sample and the de-oiled shea cake is shown in Table 4 below.

[0106] Table 4 - Analytical results of phenolic compounds in the extract compositions

[0107] It could be seen that the extract compositions using the solvents containing ethanol (Sample 2 and Sample 3) had the highest amount of gallic acid and total flavan-3-ols. In particular, the extract composition using 100% ethanol (Sample 2) has the highest contents of gallic acid and epigallocatechin. Furthermore, the extract compositions using the solvents containing 50% by weight of water had a relatively high content of epigallocatechin gallate.

[0108] The weight percentages of total phenolic compounds extracted from de-oiled shea cake were calculated in each experiment based on the dry yield and are shown in Table 5.

[0109] Table 5 - Percentages of total phenolic compounds extracted from de-oiled shea cake

[0110] The experiments using the solvents containing 50% water gave the highest yields of total phenolic compounds extracted from de-oiled shea cake.

[0111] Example 3 - Oxidation stability test 4000 ppm of the extract obtained in Experiment 4 was added and dispersed in pure lard fat and the pure lard fat without any addition was taken as reference. The Racimat Induction Period (RIP) at 120°C was measured in both samples according to ISO 6886:2016. The higher RIP value, the higher oxidation stability it represents. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0112] Table 6 - RIP values at 120°C of both pure lard fat and lard fat with 4000 ppm of the extract obtained in Experiment 4

[0113] It could be observed that the addition of 4000 ppm of the extract obtained in Experiment 4 increased RIP120 value by 57%. The sample with the extract according to the invention surprisingly showed an improved oxidation stability. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the oxidation stability of the extract compositions of the invention is associated with the amounts of gallic acid and flavan-3-ols present.

Claims

Claims1. A Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition comprising at least 5000 pg / g of gallic acid and at least 2500 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols.

2. Extract composition according to Claim 1, comprising from 5000 pg / g to 50000 pg / g of gallic acid, preferably from 5100 pg / g to 25000 pg / g, more preferably from 5200 pg / g to 15000 pg / g and even more preferably from 5200 pg / g to 10000 pg / g.

3. Extract composition according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, comprising from 2500 pg / g to 25000 pg / g of total flavan-3-ols, preferably from 2600 pg / g to 20000 pg / g, more preferably from 2700 pg / g to 15000 pg / g and even more preferably from 2800 pg / g to 10000 pg / g.

4. Extract composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of total flavan-3-ols to gallic acid is at most 1.30, preferably from 0.20 to 1.20, more preferably from 0.30 to 1.10 and even more preferably from 0.40 to 1.00.

5. Extract composition according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: from 150 pg / g to 2000 pg / g of gallocatechin (GC), preferably from 160 pg / g to 1500 pg / g, more preferably from 170 pg / g to 1200 pg / g and even more preferably from 180 pg / g to 1000 pg / g; and / or from 1500 pg / g to 15000 pg / g of epigallocatechin (EGC), preferably from 1600 pg / g to 12000 pg / g, more preferably from 1750 pg / g to 10000 pg / g and even more preferably from 1900 pg / g to 8000 pg / g; and / or from 50 pg / g to 2000 pg / g of catechin, preferably from 60 pg / g to 1000 pg / g, more preferably from 65 pg / g to 500 pg / g and even more preferably from 70 pg / g to 300 pg / g; and / or from 30 pg / g to 1000 pg / g of epicatechin (EC), preferably from 40 pg / g to 500 pg / g, more preferably from 45 pg / g to 300 pg / g and even more preferably from 50 pg / g to 200 pg / g; and / orfrom 100 pg / g to 10000 pg / g of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), preferably from 200 pg / g to 5000 pg / g, more preferably from 250 pg / g to 2500 pg / g and even more preferably from 300 pg / g to 1500 pg / g; and / or from 50 pg / g to 5000 pg / g of gallocatechin gallate, preferably from 80 pg / g to 2500 pg / g, more preferably from 90 pg / g to 1500 pg / g and even more preferably from 100 pg / g to 800 pg / g; and / or from 30 pg / g to 1500 pg / g of epicatechin gallate (ECG), preferably from 50 pg / g to 1000 pg / g, more preferably from 60 pg / g to 800 pg / g and even more preferably from 70 pg / g to 500 pg / g.

6. Use of a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to any of the preceding claims in an edible product, a cosmetic product or a feed product, preferably in a nutritional product, a confectionery product, a bakery product, a culinary product or a plant-based food product.

7. An edible product or a cosmetic product comprising a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition according to any of Claims 1 to 5, preferably comprising from 0.01% to 10.0% by weight of the extract composition.

8. A process for producing a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition comprising the steps of: a) providing nuts from Vitellaria paradoxa; b) expelling the nuts to extract oil and obtain a residue; c) further extracting oil from the residue using a first solvent; d) removing the first solvent from the residue to form a de-oiled residue; e) mixing the de-oiled residue with a second solvent; f) separating the mixture to form a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and g) removing the second solvent from the liquid fraction to form a Vitellaria paradoxa extract composition.

9. Process according to Claim 8, wherein in step b) the expelling comprises steam treatment and / or physical pressing such as screw pressing.

10. Process according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein in step c) the first solvent is selected from a group consisting of hexane, acetone, isopropanol,ethanol, 2- methyltetra hydrofuran and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the first solvent comprises hexane.

11. Process according to any of Claims 8 to 10, wherein in step e) the ratio of the weight of de-oiled residue to the volume of the second solvent is from 1 :5 (g / mL) to 1:35 (g / mL), preferably from 1: 10 (g / mL) to 1 :30 (g / mL) and more preferably from 1 : 15 (g / mL) to 1 :25 (g / mL).

12. Process according to any of Claims 8 to 11, wherein in step e) the mixing is carried out at a temperature of from 20°C to 80°C, preferably from 40°C to 75°C and more preferably from 55°C to 70°C.

13. Process according to any of Claims 8 to 12, wherein in step e) the second solvent has a dielectric constant at 20°C of at least 15, preferably from 18 to 90 and more preferably from 19 to 80.

14. Process according to any of Claims 8 to 13, wherein in step e) the second solvent comprising from 30% to 70% by volume of water and preferably from 40% to 60% by volume of water, preferably wherein in step e) the second solvent comprises a mixture of ethanol and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30 or a mixture of acetone and water in a volume ratio of from 30:70 to 70:30.

15. Process according to any of Claims 8 to 14, wherein in step e) the mixing includes shear mixing at a speed of at least 5000 rpm, preferably from 8000 rpm to 15000 rpm and for at least 30 seconds, preferably from 1 minute to 120 minutes.

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