Extraction of natural active ingredients from Eucommia ulmoides leaves by natural deep eutectic solvent-based surfactant-free microemulsion: Experimental and mechanism study

Imagine extracting nature's most valuable compounds without a drop of toxic solvent—this study turns that dream into reality using a green, sugar-and-acid-based liquid.

For centuries, extracting active ingredients from plants relied on harsh, flammable solvents. But what if we could use a liquid made from natural metabolites? This study introduces a surfactant-free microemulsion based on natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES)—a green solution that's both efficient and safe.

Researchers screened 24 NADES formulations, narrowing them down to 14 for extracting saponins from the lily bulb (Lilium lancifolium), a traditional medicine. The star performer, NADES-15 (choline chloride and citric acid), delivered a total saponin content of 46.6 mg/g—far surpassing ethanol extraction.

But the benefits didn't stop at quantity. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed a richer chemical profile: 31 compounds, including all nine target steroidal saponins, compared to just 17 compounds and six saponins with ethanol. This green method doesn't just extract more; it uncovers a broader spectrum of bioactive molecules.

The implications are clear: NADES offers a sustainable, high-performance alternative for natural product extraction, reducing environmental impact while boosting both yield and diversity.

Key Points

• NADES-15 (choline chloride + citric acid) outperforms ethanol.
• 46.6 mg/g total saponins, 31 compounds identified.
• Green, efficient extraction for natural products.