Environmentally friendly extraction of bioactive compounds from mentha arvensis using deep eutectic solvent as green extraction media

What if the key to unlocking nature's medicine cabinet lies not in harsh chemicals, but in a simple blend of two everyday compounds?

For decades, extracting valuable bioactive compounds from plants has relied on toxic organic solvents. But a new study offers a greener path: a deep eutectic solvent (DES) made from choline chloride and glycerol. This eco-friendly mixture was used to extract compounds from Mentha arvensis, a mint with notable medicinal properties, using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE).

The results are striking. The DES outperformed traditional aqueous methanol, yielding significantly higher extraction amounts. Specifically, the extract contained 117 mg GAE/g of total phenolic content, 80 mg QE/g of total flavonoid content, and showed 94% DPPH radical inhibition—a measure of antioxidant power.

The extract also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and fungal strains F. solani and A. niger. LC-MS analysis revealed key bioactive components including chrysin, p-coumaric acid, naringenin, and hesperidin, among others.

This study highlights DES as a powerful, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional solvents, with extensive hydrogen bonding that enhances extraction efficiency. It's a step toward sustainable green chemistry in natural product research.

Key Points

• DES outperforms aqueous methanol in extraction yield.
• High phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity achieved.
• LC-MS identifies nine key bioactive compounds in mint.