NaDES-Based Extracts by Microwave Activation from Laurus nobilis L. Leaves: Sustainable Multifunctional Ingredients for Potential Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Applications

What if the secret to a greener, multifunctional cosmetic ingredient was hiding in your spice rack? A new study turns laurel leaves into a potent, sustainable extract using natural deep eutectic solvents and microwave activation.

Laurel, the humble bay leaf, has long spiced our soups and perfumed our gardens. But beneath its aromatic charm lies a treasure trove of bioactive compounds. Researchers have now unlocked this potential with an eco-friendly twist: using natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) and microwave activation to extract the good stuff from Laurus nobilis leaves.

The star of the show is a NaDES blend of betaine, glycerol, and lactic acid. This green cocktail pulled out a remarkable amount of phenolic compounds—about 11.57 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of fresh leaves—and showed impressive antioxidant activity, hitting 80.1% of Trolox's power. Even better, these benefits held steady over six months of storage.

But the extract doesn't stop at fighting free radicals. It also proved effective against a range of bacteria, including common troublemakers like S. aureus and E. coli, at concentrations between 3.8 and 7.5 mg/mL. And as a bonus, it smells delightful—thanks to selectively extracted volatile compounds, as confirmed by GC-MS analysis.

This isn't just a lab curiosity. The NaDES-based extract itself is a ready-to-use ingredient, combining the natural benefits of its components with laurel's biological prowess. It's a sustainable, multifunctional candidate for future cosmetics and pharmaceuticals—proof that green chemistry can be both elegant and effective.

Key Points

• Green NaDES + microwave extract laurel leaves effectively.
• High phenolics (11.57 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (80.1%).
• Antimicrobial against S. aureus, E. coli; stable 6 months.