Ultrasound-assisted extraction of Nigella sativa L essential oil using green solvent and its encapsulation in albumin nanoparticles

Black cumin isn't just a spice—it's a treasure chest of therapeutic compounds, and scientists just found a greener way to unlock it. By swapping harsh solvents for natural deep eutectic solvents and ultrasound, they boosted oil yields beyond traditional methods.

Medicinal plants are defined by their bioactive compounds, and Nigella sativa, or black cumin, is a standout. Long prized for its health benefits, it's now a focus for researchers and the pharmaceutical industry. But extracting its essential oils has traditionally relied on harsh solvents like hexane and petroleum ether, which come with drawbacks.

Key Points

• NADES with ultrasound yielded 37.1% more oil than Soxhlet.
• Albumin nanoparticles trapped 89% of the essential oil.
• Nanoparticle size grew from 72 nm to 102 nm.