Green extraction of alkaloids and polyphenols from peumus boldus leaves with natural deep eutectic solvents and profiling by HPLC-PDA-IT-MS/MS and HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS

Can a mix of simple, natural ingredients outperform traditional organic solvents in capturing the healing compounds of a sacred Chilean tree? Scientists have found that the answer is a resounding yes.

For generations, the Chilean medicinal tree Peumus boldus has been turned to for gastrointestinal and liver ailments, thanks to its rich cargo of flavonoids and aporphine alkaloids. To tap into these benefits more sustainably, researchers turned to seven natural deep eutectic solvents as a green extraction medium.

By testing these innovative solvents, the team evaluated how well they could extract boldine and total phenolic compounds compared to classic options like methanol and water. The results were striking. Specific combinations—particularly choline chloride-lactic acid and proline-oxalic acid—proved exceptionally efficient. In fact, proline-oxalic acid yielded an impressive 2.362 milligrams of boldine per gram of plant material, outperforming traditional solvents.

Advanced high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry allowed the team to tentatively identify 9 distinct alkaloids and 22 phenolic compounds hiding within the extracts. Ultimately, this research shows that natural deep eutectic solvents offer a powerful, eco-friendly alternative to standard organic solvents for harvesting plant-based medicine.

Key Points

• Seven natural deep eutectic solvents tested as green extractants
• Proline-oxalic acid achieved high boldine and phenolic extraction
• Identification of 9 alkaloids and 22 phenolic compounds