Optimization and stabilization of the antioxidant properties from Alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) with natural deep eutectic solvents

What happens when you pair an ancient dyeing root with designer green solvents? You unlock a powerhouse of natural antioxidant activity that easily outsmarts conventional chemistry.

Scientists are turning to natural deep eutectic solvents as eco-friendly champions for pulling valuable phytochemicals from plants. By testing hydrophilic formulations made from sodium acetate combined with either lactic acid or formic acid, researchers set out to capture the antioxidant prowess of Alkanet roots. When stacked against traditional extraction liquids like water, aqueous ethanol, and aqueous methanol, these novel green solvents took the crown. Among them, the sodium acetate and formic acid mixture emerged as the absolute star of extraction performance.

To squeeze every ounce of potential from this standout solvent, the team deployed a statistical optimization technique known as the Box-Behnken design. They discovered that fine-tuning the molar ratio and water content was critical for maximizing total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and radical scavenging capability. Under optimal parameters, the extracts yielded impressive measured responses.

Beyond just efficient extraction, these green mixtures offered a major bonus: superior thermal stability. Phytochemicals and their protective antioxidant traits held their ground much better when housed in the eutectic solvent matrix. Ultimately, this research proves that these novel green liquids are remarkably effective tools for harvesting bioactive plant compounds.

Key Points

• Sodium acetate and formic acid NaDES outperformed conventional solvents.
• Molar ratio and water content significantly impact antioxidant properties.
• Phytochemicals and antioxidant properties showed superior thermal stability in NaDES.