Extraction of Bioactive Compounds From Cannabis sativa L. Flowers and/or Leaves Using Deep Eutectic Solvents

What if the key to unlocking medical cannabis lies not in harsh chemicals, but in a green, sugar-based solvent? A new study shows that deep eutectic solvents can outperform ethanol—while being kinder to the planet.

Cannabis has been cultivated for millennia, but the modern demand for medical cannabis demands smarter extraction methods. Traditional organic solvents, like ethanol, work, but they come with environmental and safety baggage. Enter deep eutectic solvents (DESs)—a new class of green liquids made from natural compounds like sugars, terpenes, and organic acids.

In this study, researchers designed both hydrophilic and hydrophobic DESs, then tested them on hemp flowers and leaves. They screened several formulations and found that a specific DES—menthol:lauric acid in a 2:1 molar ratio—achieved the highest extraction efficiency for CBD and CBDA, yielding 11.07 ± 0.37 mg/g. That’s higher than ethanol, the industry standard.

But yield isn’t everything. The DESs also proved more selective, pulling out fewer impurities like chlorophyll and waxes. That means a cleaner extract, with fewer unwanted compounds. And because DESs are non-toxic, biodegradable, and low-cost, they offer a sustainable alternative to hazardous solvents.

The takeaway? Deep eutectic solvents aren’t just a niche lab curiosity—they’re a practical, eco-friendly upgrade for cannabis extraction, with potential far beyond this one plant.

Key Points

• DES with menthol:lauric acid (2:1) beats ethanol for CBD/CBDA extraction
• Yield: 11.07 ± 0.37 mg/g, plus fewer impurities like chlorophyll
• DESs are non-toxic, biodegradable, low-cost, and eco-friendly