Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polyphenolic compounds from Paederia scandens (Lour.) Merr. Using deep eutectic solvent: optimization, identification, and comparison with traditional methods

What happens when you combine sound waves with custom-designed green solvents to harvest nature's hidden chemical treasures? Researchers found a remarkably efficient way to unlock powerful antioxidants from a traditional medicinal herb.

Modern green chemistry just got an upgrade. Scientists turned their attention to Paederia scandens, a well-known edible and medicinal herb, looking for a better way to extract its valuable polyphenols. By pairing ultrasonic-assisted extraction with a smart choice of deep eutectic solvents—specifically choline chloride and ethylene glycol mixed at a 1:2 molar ratio—they unlocked a powerful new extraction technique.

Fine-tuning the process using advanced experimental design revealed the sweet spot for maximum yield. With water content at 49.2 percent, an ultrasonic power of 72.4 watts, and a remarkably brief extraction time of 9.7 minutes, the method delivered impressive totals in flavonoid content and antioxidant capacities.

When put to the test against traditional extraction methods, this novel green approach came out on top, yielding higher flavonoid content and superior antioxidant power. Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the team successfully identified and quantified 36 individual polyphenolic compounds within the extracts, proving this ultrasonic solvent method is both remarkably potent and precise.

Key Points

• Choline chloride and ethylene glycol delivered highest extractability
• Optimized via response surface methodology in under 10 minutes
• Outperformed traditional extraction methods in antioxidant capacity