Arabian Journal of Chemistry (Mar 2024)
Deep eutectic solvents as efficient extractants of caffeoylquinic acids from Blumea aromatica: A comparative analysis of content and antioxidant potential
Abstract
This study conducted a comparative analysis of the extraction efficiency and antioxidant potential of caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) from Blumea aromatica using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and traditional solvents. Utilizing UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS, the quantification of seven CQAs revealed concentrations ranging from 0.46 to 7.60 mg/g, with 1,5-diCQA identified as the most abundant. DESs demonstrated significant advantages (P < 0.05) over traditional solvents. The optimal extraction occurred with DES-6 (choline chloride / 1,4-butanediol) for 3-CQA (4.71 ± 0.31 mg/g) and 4,5-diCQA (2.28 ± 0.19 mg/g), DES-7 (choline chloride / oxalic acid) for 4-CQA (2.05 ± 0.05 mg/g), and DES-5 (choline chloride / glycerol) for 5-CQA (1.70 ± 0.14 mg/g). Antioxidant activity assessment through DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assays indicated that DES extracts outperformed conventional solvents. Notably, DES-3 (choline chloride / ethylene glycol) displayed remarkable activity, with IC50 values of 197.36 ± 1.05 and 14.86 ± 3.33 μg/mL for DPPH and ABTS radicals, respectively. DES-6 exhibited the highest reducing power. Correlation analysis established positive relationships between phenolic acid content and antioxidant activity, notably for 3-CQA and 5-CQA (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). Additionally, 4-CQA, 1,3-diCQA, 3,4-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA displayed specific and correlated antioxidant activities. Crucially, the environmentally friendly DESs extraction method proposed in this study offers a sustainable approach for obtaining CQAs from B. aromatica, concurrently ensuring their antioxidant potential is fully realized. This research not only advances our understanding of B. aromatica but also highlights a green and efficient method for extracting bioactive compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
