Multivariate Analysis of the Efficiency of Bio-Actives Extraction from Laboratory-Generated By-Products of Citrus reticulata Blanco

What if the secret to a healthier snack was hidden in the stems and leaves of a medicinal vine? Giloy, a plant long revered in traditional medicine, just proved it can deliver potent antioxidants and antimicrobials with a green, ultrasound-powered twist.

Giloy, a medicinal plant packed with health-boosting compounds, has stepped into the spotlight—not for its leaves alone, but for its stems too. Researchers used ultrasound, a green extraction technology, to pull out bioactive treasures from both parts. They optimized the process using a central composite rotatable design and response surface methodology, tweaking the solvent-to-solid ratio, sonication time, and solvent concentration to maximize antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and yield. The sweet spot? A ratio of 22.5:1, 40 minutes of sonication, and 75% solvent concentration. Under these conditions, the extracts didn't just pack a punch in the lab—they also inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria like S. aureus and E. coli. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed a cocktail of significant polyphenols, including catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, ellagic acid, hesperidin, and berberine, along with malic acid. These findings suggest that ultrasonication is not only effective but also eco-friendly, making giloy a promising functional ingredient for tasty, long-lasting food and beverages.

Key Points

• Ultrasound boosts giloy stem and leaf extraction.
• Optimal conditions: 22.5:1 ratio, 40 min, 75% solvent.
• Extracts fight S. aureus, E. coli, rich in polyphenols.