Environmentally friendly techniques and their comparison in the extraction of natural antioxidants from green tea, rosemary, clove, and oregano

Calderón-Oliver M. · Molecules · 2021 · 78 citations

Modern food and health trends are demanding a greener revolution. How do we pull powerful antioxidants from everyday plants without costing the Earth?

The modern pursuit of health comes with a catch: we need ecological, sustainable, and truly green ways to extract nature's best bioactive compounds. Polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins are celebrated for their food applications, but pulling them out successfully isn't simple. The final yield and antioxidant muscle depend heavily on the source, the method, and the exact recipe of the solvent.

This is where a comprehensive review steps in, mapping out the most common extraction techniques and their potential in the food industry. Looking closely at powerhouses like green tea, rosemary, clove, and oregano, researchers are shining a light on smarter alternatives. Green extraction methods consistently prove to be far more efficient, environmentally friendly, and economical than traditional routes.

What are the tools of this sustainable trade? The lineup includes microwaves, ultrasound, high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric fields, enzymes, and deep eutectic solvents. By breaking down the distinct advantages, disadvantages, and applications of each method, science is paving a cleaner path from plant to product.

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