Evaluation of the effect of saffron pollen and saffron pollen/gallic acid microcapsule on oxidative stability of sunflower oil

This research aimed to identify an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and biocompatible carrier for drugs or nutraceuticals without modification. Saffron pollen (SP) was selected and evaluated for its potential use as a carrier for gallic acid (GA), chosen as a model nutraceutical. The SP/GA microcapsules were prepared, and their adsorption and release isotherms were evaluated. SEM images demonstrated the loading of GA into the surface cavities and interior of the SP. The absorption isotherm revealed a maximum encapsulation yield (EY) of 42.4 %. The release isotherm showed that only 30 % of the GA-loaded microcapsules were released in oil over 72 h. The results of the antioxidant activity test indicated that SP significantly enhanced the oxidative stability of sunflower oil compared to GA alone, as evidenced by the peroxide value (PV) after 45 days of storage at 30 °C. The loading of GA into SP did not positively affect its antioxidant activity in oil due to its very slow release pattern. Given its high potential as an oxidative stabilizer, high EY, controlled release pattern, and extensive historical use as food and medicine, SP is proposed as a novel carrier for a wide range of potential applications.