A Novel Green Extraction and Molecular Docking Study: Effect of Native Cyclodextrins and Derivatives on the Extraction of Andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees

What if the key to unlocking a powerful medicinal compound lies not in harsh chemicals, but in a simple sugar ring? A new study shows that a green solvent can outperform methanol—without the environmental cost.

Andrographolide (AP) is a bioactive compound from the plant Andrographis paniculata, known for its pharmacological potential. But there's a catch: AP barely dissolves in water, so scientists have traditionally relied on organic solvents like methanol to extract it—solvents that are harmful to the environment. This study explores a greener path using cyclodextrins (CDs), sugar-based molecules that can encapsulate hydrophobic compounds in water.

Key Points

• HPβCD gave the highest AP yield among CDs.
• HPβCD at higher concentrations beat methanol extraction.
• Green extraction with HPβCD is a viable alternative.