Selectivity Tuning by Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) for Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Cytinus hypocistis—Studies of Antioxidative, Enzyme-Inhibitive Properties and LC-MS Profiles

What if the secret to unlocking a parasitic plant's healing powers lies in a simple, natural solvent—not harsh chemicals? Cytinus hypocistis, a Mediterranean botanical oddity, just met its perfect match: Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs).

In the quest for bioactive compounds, scientists have long relied on traditional solvents like hexane and ethanol. But a new study turns the spotlight on NADESs—eco-friendly, designer solvents made from natural ingredients. Researchers tested both approaches on Cytinus hypocistis, a parasitic plant with a rich chemical profile, and the results were striking.

NADES extracts boasted higher total phenolic content, reaching up to 186.13 mg GAE/g, compared to conventional solvents. However, the antioxidant story was split: traditional solvents showed better radical-scavenging power in assays like DPPH and ABTS, while NADESs excelled in enzyme inhibition. For instance, the Reline extract (choline chloride-urea 1:2) was a standout acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, while NADES-B uniquely isolated a fraction with no chelating activity.

Beyond enzymes, NADES extracts outperformed traditional ones in inhibiting tyrosinase and diabetic enzymes (amylase and glucosidase), hinting at their potential in nutraceuticals and functional foods. The study doesn't crown a single winner—it reveals a trade-off: organic solvents for antioxidant potency, NADESs for phenolic richness and enzyme control. This selectivity tuning opens doors to tailored extraction, offering a greener, smarter path to phytonutrient recovery.

Key Points

• NADES extracts had higher total phenolic content.
• Traditional solvents showed better antioxidant activity.
• NADES excelled in enzyme inhibition, especially Reline.