The pods from Neltuma ruscifolia (vinal), an underutilized species, are rich in bioactive functional compounds. However, the extraction procedures to obtain the highest proportion of these compounds, considering sustainability aspects, have not been optimized. This study aimed to optimize and compare three affordable extraction methods—dynamic maceration (DME), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UE), and microwave-assisted extraction (ME)—to obtain enriched extracts. The effects of temperature, ethanol-to-water ratio in the solvent, extraction time, and frequency (for ME) were evaluated using a Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology to optimize total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH). Energy consumption and carbon footprints were also assessed, and phenolic compounds in the optimized extracts were identified by HPLC. The ethanol-to-water ratio emerged as the most influential factor, showing synergistic effects with both time and temperature, enabling optimal yields at intermediate ethanol concentrations. Gallic acid, rutin, and theobromine were found to be the most abundant components, followed by cinnamic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids. Although UE exhibited the lowest energy consumption (0.64 ± 0.03 Wh/mg of TPC), the simple and easily implementable DME—optimized at 40 min, 50 °C, and 42% ethanol—proved to be the most efficient method, combining high extractive performance (TPC 1432 mg GAE/100 g Dw), reduced solvent use, and intermediate energy efficiency (1.84 Wh/mg of TPC). These findings highlight the potential of vinal as a natural source of bioactive ingredients obtained through simple and cost-effective techniques adaptable to small producers while underscoring the value of experimental design in optimizing sustainable extraction technologies and elucidating the interactions between key processing factors.

Within the group of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) is Neltuma ruscifolia (formerly Prosopis), belonging to the family Fabaceae (or Leguminosae), commonly known as carob trees but unlike other species, it does not have an established or formally defined commercial value. The objective of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant and antiglycant properties, as well as to identify associated bioactive compounds, in extracts derived from different extraction methods (ultrasound and agitation) and grinding fractions of pods of Neltuma ruscifolia, a NUS species. The results showed that the residue fraction extracted by high-intensity ultrasound exhibited the highest bioactivity. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction allowed polyphenolic compounds such as hydroxybenzoic and ellagic acids to be obtained that did not appear with stirring. Other polyphenols (such as chrysin, rutin, kaempferol and cinnamic, coumaric, protocatechuic, ellagic and caffeic acids) were highly related to the bioactivity. This study lays the foundation for the future development of antioxidant/antiglycant additives derived from Neltuma ruscifolia, diversifying NUS range of natural additives and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to safeguard biodiversity, local resources and the planet.