Combining novel extraction techniques with natural deep eutectic solvent to acquire phenolic and terpenoid compounds from Paris polyphylla roots

What if the secret to unlocking a plant's healing power lies not in harsh chemicals, but in a gentle, natural solvent? A new study reveals just that for the medicinal herb Paris polyphylla.

Deep inside the roots of Paris polyphylla, a medicinal herb, lie valuable phenolic and terpenoid compounds. But extracting them has often required harsh, environmentally unfriendly solvents. Now, researchers have turned to natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) — mixtures of natural components acting as green solvents — to coax these compounds out gently.

The team prepared eight different NADES and found that a lactic acid:glucose mix (2:1) excelled at pulling out phenolics, while citric acid:glucose (2:1) was best for terpenoids. They then combined these solvents with three novel extraction techniques: ultrasound, high-speed shearing, and microwave assistance. Each method yielded impressive results, with high-speed shearing extraction (HSE) achieving the highest totals: 6.08 mg GAE/g of phenolics and 26.13 mg UA/g of terpenoids.

Crucially, the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity, measured by DPPH and ABTS assays. Notably, when using the citric acid-based solvent, the ABTS scavenging capacity reached 147.103 μmol TE/L.g, indicating potent free-radical-fighting power.

The study's real star is HMUAE — a hybrid method combining homogenization, ultrasound, and microwave technologies. This synergistic approach not only boosts extraction efficiency but also offers a sustainable, novel route to harness the bioactive bounty of Paris polyphylla.

Key Points

• Eight NADES tested; lactic acid:glucose best for phenolics, citric acid:glucose for terpenoids.
• High-speed shearing extraction yielded highest TPC (6.08 mg GAE/g) and TTC (26.13 mg UA/g).
• HMUAE combines homogenization, ultrasound, and microwave for synergistic extraction.