Screening, optimization, and bioavailability research of natural deep eutectic solvent extracts from radix pueraria

Imagine a solvent that's green, powerful, and boosts the absorption of a medicinal compound—this is the promise of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents, and they just proved it with a 323% bioavailability boost.

For centuries, extracting valuable compounds from plants has relied on harsh fossil-based solvents. But a new class of green solvents, called Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES), is turning heads. In a recent study, scientists screened 25 different NaDES to extract puerarin (PUE) and its derivatives from Radix Pueraria, a traditional medicinal root. PUE, the main isoflavone, has impressive biological activities but suffers from poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability, limiting its use. The results were striking: using L-Pro-Maa (a combination of L-proline and malic acid) under optimized conditions, yields of PUE, 3-MPR, and PRX reached 98.7 mg/g, 16.3 mg/g, and 9.9 mg/g, respectively—2.2, 2.9, and 3.4 times higher than water extraction. Even more exciting, when tested in rats, the oral bioavailability of PUE in the NaDES extract soared to 323% compared to pure PUE. This shows NaDES are not just sustainable alternatives but also powerful enhancers of drug absorption, opening new doors for natural product applications.

Key Points

• 25 NaDES screened; L-Pro-Maa best for puerarin extraction.
• Yields up to 98.7 mg/g, 2.2-3.4x higher than water.
• Oral bioavailability of PUE boosted to 323% in rats.