Which extraction technique is the best for LC × LC analysis of bioactive compounds from European medicinal plants: Conventional or sustainable extraction techniques?

For two decades, Sambucus nigra has whispered promises of liver protection—now, scientists are battling over the best way to unlock its secrets without trashing the planet.

The quest for medicinal plant extraction is no longer just about getting the most compounds—it's about getting them greenly. Researchers dove into flowers, berries, and barks of Sambucus nigra, a plant long studied for its hepatoprotective potential. They pitted conventional methods against sustainable ones: infusion, magnetic-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted extraction.

Each technique was fine-tuned via experimental design, tweaking solvent ratios, time, temperature, and microwave power. The goal? Maximize total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and yield—while keeping the greenness high. The resulting profiles were then mapped using LC × LC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for precise identification.

Surprisingly, all four optimized methods delivered results comparable to previous green techniques, but faster and with better greenness scores. Yet one stood out: microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) emerged as the champion, balancing efficiency and eco-friendliness. It's a win for both science and sustainability—and a clear sign that the future of herbal remedy production is getting greener, one extraction at a time.

Key Points

• All four optimized methods matched previous green techniques.
• MAE led in greenness and extraction efficiency.
• LC × LC-MS/MS identified bioactive profiles precisely.