Efficient and green ultrasonic-assisted extraction of flavonoids from Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix Et Rhizoma using deep eutectic solvent: Optimization and extraction mechanism

What if the secret to greener medicine extraction lies in a liquid made from ingredients as simple as choline and acrylic acid? Scientists just used this eco-friendly combo to unlock flavonoids from a traditional herb, outperforming harsh solvents by up to four times.

Forget toxic solvents. Researchers are turning to natural deep eutectic solvents (DESs) — designer liquids made from safe, biodegradable components — to extract valuable plant compounds. In a new study, they targeted total flavonoids from Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix Et Rhizoma (STRR), a traditional medicinal plant, using a DES combined with ultrasonic assistance.

Key Points

• 17 DES screened; choline chloride/acrylic acid best.
• Max yield 3.785 mg/g at 61 min, 65°C.
• DES outperforms methanol/ethanol by 2–4 times.