Extraction of Narirutin from Yuzu Pomace by Sequential Enzymatic Treatment and Its Prebiotic and Anti-Allergic Effects
This study aimed to optimize the enzymatic process for extracting narirutin from yuzu pomace while maximizing yield, and to assess its functional properties related to prebiotic, antimicrobial, and anti-allergic activities. Given the high pectin content in yuzu pomace, which increases extract viscosity and impedes the release of bioactive compounds, a sequential enzyme treatment was implemented. Pectinase (P4) was first used to degrade pectin, followed by cellulase (C1) to facilitate the release of narirutin. The P4–C1 extract achieved a 2.17-fold increase in narirutin content compared to the crude extract without enzyme treatment. In prebiotic activity, the P4–C1 extract enhanced the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium infantis by 34.62% and 28.03%, respectively, compared to the crude extract. Additionally, the P4–C1 extract demonstrated improved antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus, with increases of 22.69%, 27.09%, and 25.04%, respectively. Furthermore, in anti-DNP-IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells, the P4–C1 extract showed enhanced anti-allergic activity by reducing β-hexosaminidase release by 16.22% compared to the crude extract. These findings indicate that the optimized enzymatic process significantly improves narirutin extraction efficiency and that the extract has considerable potential as a functional ingredient for prebiotic, antimicrobial, and anti-allergic applications.