Exploitation of Apulian Salicornia europaea L. via NADES-UAE: Extraction, Antioxidant Activity and Antimicrobial Potential

What if the key to greener chemistry was hiding in a salty coastal weed? A new study turns Salicornia europaea into a treasure trove of antioxidants using eco-friendly solvents and sound waves.

Imagine a plant that thrives where others wither—in salt-soaked soils along the coast. Salicornia europaea, a halophyte common in southern Italy, is packed with polyphenols, natural compounds known for their health-boosting powers. But extracting those treasures has often relied on harsh, polluting solvents. Not anymore.

In this study, scientists paired natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs)—green, biodegradable alternatives—with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), a technique that uses sound waves to break cell walls gently. They first screened 61 NADES combinations using COSMOtherm software, predicting which would best dissolve isorhamnetin, the plant's major flavonol. Six candidates were tested, and one stood out: Pro:MA, a mix of proline and malic acid.

Pro:MA extracts delivered the highest total phenolic content (6.79 mg GAE/g) and impressive antioxidant activity across three assays (DPPH IC50 = 0.09 mg GAE/g; ABTS = 8.12 mg TE/g; FRAP = 2.41 mg TE/g). They also fought bacteria effectively, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) from 0.1% to 0.4% v/v and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) from 0.2% to 0.8% v/v against four ATCC strains. Even after 90 days, the extract kept its phenolic stability.

This green method not only valorizes a humble coastal plant but also offers a sustainable path for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. Who knew sustainability could sound so good?

Key Points

• NADES-UAE green extraction boosts Salicornia polyphenols
• Pro:MA extract: highest TPC, strong antioxidants
• Antibacterial MICs 0.1–0.4% v/v, stable 90 days