Unraveling new strategies of natural products drug development using deep eutectic solvents: A comprehensive review

What if the humble chickpea root, often discarded as waste, could become a treasure trove of health-boosting compounds? A new study shows how cold plasma and eco-friendly solvents can unlock its hidden potential.

Chickpea roots are an agricultural afterthought, yet they harbor valuable bioactive compounds. Researchers have now devised an integrated method to extract these compounds more effectively, using a two-step process: atmospheric air low-pressure cold plasma (CP) followed by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES).

The plasma treatment, optimized via response surface methodology, was tuned to specific power, pressure, and time. The sweet spot: 52 W, 0.65 mbar, for 11.5 minutes. This pre-treatment weakened the plant matrix, making the subsequent NADES extraction more efficient.

Compared to untreated samples, the combined CP-UAE-NADES approach boosted both total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (measured by DPPH). The predicted values from the Box-Behnken design matched experimental results, confirming the method's reliability.

Beyond extraction efficiency, the study also checked microbial load reduction and color stability, ensuring the root's quality and functionality. This sustainable, eco-friendly strategy could turn chickpea root waste into a valuable source of bioactives for functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

Key Points

• Cold plasma + ultrasound + NADES boosts chickpea root extraction.
• Optimal conditions: 52 W, 0.65 mbar, 11.5 minutes.
• Sustainable valorization for functional foods and nutraceuticals.