Microwave-assisted extraction of β-Sitosterol: A by-product from Agave angustifolia Haw bagasse

β-sitosterol (BSS) and β-sitosterol glucoside (BSSG) were extracted from Agave angustifolia Haw bagasse using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The quantification and characterization of BSS and BSSG were performed through high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). With an extraction time of 9 seconds using MAE, a higher amount of BSS (103.6 mg of β-sitosterol per gram of dry weight of extract) was obtained compared to BSSG (61.6 mg of β-sitosterol glucoside per gram of dry weight of extract). MAE emerges as a promising method for the efficient recovery of β-sitosterol (BSS) and β-sitosterol glucoside (BSSG) from A. angustifolia bagasse. This enriches scientific knowledge regarding phytochemical extraction and holds great potential for various industries, such as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Additionally, by valorizing the by-products of the agave industry, this research contributes to the sustainable utilization of resources, aligning with the principles of green and circular economy practices.