Study on ultrasonic-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction process and in vitro antioxidant of Anchusa italica Retz. Flowers

A humble flower from the Boraginaceae family hides a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes over 90% of harmful free radicals—and scientists just found a greener way to extract it.

Anchusa italica Retz. flowers may look unassuming, but their chemical arsenal is anything but ordinary. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, researchers identified a wealth of bioactive compounds, with rosmarinic acid taking center stage at nearly 40% of the methanolic extract. This polyphenol is a known powerhouse against oxidative stress, a key player in cardiovascular health.

But the real innovation lies in the method. Instead of conventional solvents, the team turned to a deep eutectic solvent—a green, biodegradable alternative—and supercharged it with ultrasonic waves. The result? A significant boost in extracting total polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, all while keeping the process sustainable.

Through careful optimization, they pinpointed the sweet spot: 29% water content, a liquid-to-solid ratio of about 21 mL/g, and just under 36 minutes of ultrasound at 240 W. This yielded a comprehensive evaluation value of 222.45, balancing both polyphenol content and antioxidant activity.

In lab tests, the extracted rosmarinic acid showed remarkable radical-scavenging rates, exceeding 90% against DPPH and ABTS radicals. The study offers a clean, efficient blueprint for isolating bioactive compounds from nature—proof that green chemistry and high performance can go hand in hand.

Key Points

• Rosmarinic acid dominates at 39.85% of flower extract.
• Green DES with ultrasound boosts polyphenol yield.
• Antioxidant activity exceeds 90% against DPPH and ABTS.