enhancing poultry health and productivity through lycopene extraction: a green approach using cloud point extraction

Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, watermelon and papaya, is a powerful antioxidant beneficial for human and animal health (1). in poultry nutrition, lycopene extracted from tomatoes enhances immune function, reduces oxidative stress, improves egg yolk color, meat quality and the stability of fats and proteins. these benefits lead to higher-quality eggs and poultry meat improving overall production efficiency (2). however, traditional methods for extracting lycopene which rely on solvents like hexane and ethanol present significant challenges. these solvents may leave harmful residues in poultry feed potentially affecting the health of birds and compromising the safety and quality of poultry products like eggs and meat (3). to address these concerns, we utilized the cloud point extraction (cpe) method, a solvent-free technique that isolates lycopene using changes in solubility at specific temperatures. this method separates the solution into two phases concentrating lycopene in one phase. for this process, we used saponin derived from acanthophyllum, with a concentration of 4 mg/ml which was extracted with an ultrasonic device, significantly reducing solvent use compared to conventional methods. in our experiments, we optimized the extraction process using 1 g of tomato powder and 1 to 5 ml of saponin. the cpe method effectively extracted a high amount of lycopene, providing a safe, natural alternative for poultry feed without introducing harmful chemicals. this eco-friendly approach enhances poultry health, improves product quality and ensures consumer safety by preventing toxic residues from entering the food chain.