Alternate Ultrasound/Microwave Digestion for Deep Eutectic Hydro-distillation Extraction of Essential Oil and Polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill

Deep eutectic solvents as sustainable extraction media for extraction of polysaccharides from natural sources: Status, challenges and prospects

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) emerge as promising alternatives to conventional solvents, offering outstanding extraction capabilities, low toxicity, eco-friendliness, straightforward synthesis procedures, broad applicability, and impressive recyclability. DES are synthesized by combining two or more components through various synthesis procedures, such as heat-assisted mixing/stirring, grinding, freeze drying, and evaporation. Polysaccharides, as abundant natural materials, are highly valued for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustainability. These versatile biopolymers can be derived from various natural sources such as plants, algae, animals, or microorganisms using diverse extraction techniques. This review explores the synthesis procedures of DES, their physicochemical properties, characterization analysis, and their application in polysaccharide extraction. The extraction optimization strategies, parameters affecting DES-based polysaccharide extraction, and separation mechanisms are comprehensively discussed. Additionally, this review provides insights into recently developed molecular guides for DES screening and the utilization of artificial neural networks for optimizing DES-based extraction processes. DES serve as excellent extraction media for polysaccharides from different sources, preserving their functional features. They are utilized both as extraction solvents and as supporting media to enhance the extraction abilities of other solvents. Continued research aims to improve DES-based extraction methods and achieve selective, energy-efficient processes to meet the demands of this expanding field.

Recent advances in the implementation of ultrasound technology for the extraction of essential oils from terrestrial plant materials: A comprehensive review

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is an innovative process for recovering valuable substances and compounds from plants and various biomaterials. This technology holds promise for resource recovery while maintaining the quality of the extracted products. The review comprehensively discusses UAE's mechanism, applications, advantages, and limitations, focusing on extracting essential oils (EOs) from diverse terrestrial plant materials. These oils exhibit preservation, flavor enhancement, antimicrobial action, antioxidant effects, and anti-inflammatory benefits due to the diverse range of specific compounds in their composition. Conventional extraction techniques have been traditionally employed, and their limitations have prompted the introduction of novel extraction methods. Therefore, the review emphasizes that the use of UAE, alone or in combination with other cutting-edge technologies, can enhance the extraction of EOs. By promoting resource recovery, reduced energy consumption, and minimal solvent use, UAE paves the way for a more sustainable approach to harnessing the valuable properties of EOs. With its diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and other industries, further research into UAE and its synergies with other cutting-edge technologies is required to unlock its full potential in sustainable resource recovery and product quality preservation.

Bioactive properties and gut microbiota modulation by date seed polysaccharides extracted using ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent

Polysaccharides are abundant macromolecules. The study extracted date seed polysaccharides (UPS) using ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction to valorize date seeds. UPS were subjected to comprehensive characterization and evaluation of their bioactivity, prebiotic properties, and their potential to modulate the gut microbiome. Characterization revealed UPS's heteropolysaccharide composition with galactose, mannose, fructose, glucose, and galacturonic acid respectively in 66.1, 13.3, 9.9, 5.4, and 5.1%. UPS showed a concentration-dependent increase of radical scavenging and antioxidant activities, evidenced by FRAP, TAC, and RP assays. They also displayed antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli O157:H7, S. typhimurium, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes. Rheological analysis showed UPS's elastic-dominant nature with thixotropic tendencies. UPS inhibited α-glycosidase, α-amylase, and ACE up to 86%, and reduced Caco-2 and MCF-7 cell viability by 70% and 46%, respectively. UPS favored beneficial gut microbiota growth, releasing significant SCFAs during fecal fermentation.

The influence of storage conditions on the quality of Schisandra chinensis fruits: A integrated investigation of constituent and antioxidant activity

Schisandra chinensis is a functional fruit with tonic effect and was widely used by traditional Chinese medicine for treatment and health care. The quality of Schisandra chinensis fruit may vary by different storage condition. In this study, the influence of ambient temperature, humidity, packaging materials and period of storage on the quality of Schisandra chinensis fruits were investigated. The contents of main active components lignans and organic acids were simultaneously determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC Orbitrap HRMS). The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ABTS+ inhibition rate and FRAP value. The correlation of multicomponent and antioxidant activity was analyzed by grey relevance analysis. Taking the changes of multicomponent and antioxidant activity as investigation index, Schisandra chinensis fruits under different storage conditions was comprehensively evaluated. Schisandrol A, malic acid, sorbic acid, schizandrin A, schizandrin B, and schisandrol B were the main effective components of antioxidant activity. Ambient temperature at 5 °C and humidity at 40 % were more suitable for Schisandra chinensis fruits and kraft paper bag was better packaging material. Do not exceed 1 year was the effective storage period. For the safety evaluation, no aflatoxin was detected within the storage period of 2 years, demonstrated the storage was satisfactory. This study provided a reference for the high-quality storage and standardized operating procedures for storage of Schisandra chinensis fruits.

Exploring carbohydrate extraction from biomass using deep eutectic solvents: Factors and mechanisms

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are increasingly being recognized as sustainable and promising solvents because of their unique properties: low melting point, low cost, and biocompatibility. Some DESs possess high viscosity, remarkable stability, and minimal toxicity, enhancing their appeal for diverse applications. Notably, they hold promise in biomass pretreatment, a crucial step in biomass conversion, although their potential in algal biomass carbohydrates extraction remains largely unexplored. Understanding the correlation between DESs' properties and their behavior in carbohydrate extraction, alongside cellulose degradation mechanisms, remains a gap. This review provides an overview of the use of DESs in extracting carbohydrates from lignocellulosic and algal biomass, explores the factors that influence the behavior of DESs in carbohydrate extraction, and sheds light on the mechanism of cellulose degradation by DESs. Additionally, the review discusses potential future developments and applications of DESs, particularly extracting carbohydrates from algal biomass.

Deep-eutectic solvents/ionic liquids/water mixture as a novel type of green thermo-switchable solvent system for selective extraction and separation of natural products from Rosmarinus officinalis leaves

In the present study, we designed a novel type of green thermo-switchable solvent system which is composed of ChCl:LA/[BMIM]PF₆/H₂O (v/v/v, 1/2/1) to extract natural products. When the temperature is 60 ℃, the system is a homogeneous single-phase system, and when cooling to 25 ℃, the system is switched into a heterogeneous two-phase system. Based on the thermo-switchable system, an integrated extraction method was developed which could efficiently extract both rosmarinic acid (hydrophilic) and carnosic acid (hydrophobic) from Rosmarinus officinalis leaves at 60 ℃ and in situ separate the extracted compounds with high recovery yields by cooling the extracts to 25 ℃. Rosmarinic acid was separated into the upper phase (88.97%) and carnosic acid was separated into the lower phase (97.46%). In addition to enhanced efficiency and no consumption of organic solvents, the method also completed the extraction and separation in a single step which further reduced the operation units.

Influence of choline chloride-based NADES on the composition of Myristica fragrans Houtt. essential oil

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have emerged as green extracting solvents in recent years. In this study, a variety of choline chloride (ChCl)-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were used as co-solvents for the hydrodistillation of nutmeg with the aim to obtain M. fragrans essential oil (EO) in higher yield and with a lower content of toxic phenylpropenoids (e.g. myristicin and safrole). The influence of ChCl-based NADES as additives in the hydrodistillation process was studied. The results showed that NADES additives improved the yield of the extracted essential oil and influenced its composition leading to a decrease in toxic phenylpropenoids. Best results were achieved by using ChCl-CA NADES ultrasound-assisted pretreatment coupled with traditional 2 ​h Clevenger hydrodistillation that increased the yield of the EO from 0.98% (traditional) to 1.41% and a decrease of the phenylpropenoids amount in the essential oil.

Essential oil for the control of fungi, bacteria, yeasts and viruses in food: an overview

This review begins with a general introduction to essential oils (EO) and their relation to food and microorganisms. Classification and characteristics of EO, addressing the major compounds with antimicrobial action. Subsequently, the main microorganisms followed by a collection of the main works published in recent years that approached the influence of the EO on the protection against microorganisms and food decontamination. At last, the major gaps and future perspectives on the subject. Using EO for fighting food contamination is a way of sustainably supplying the need for new antimicrobials to ensure microbial safety and is a viable source to solve the problem of current microbial resistance. Form of application, EO composition and microbiological load are reported as the responsible factors for the treatment's success. The EO's effects on fungi and bacteria are already well known, but its effect on viruses and yeasts is something to be explored.

Evaluation of Multicomponent Changes of Schisandra chinensis Fruits with Different Drying Process by UPLC-QQQ-MS-Based Targeted Metabolomics Analysis

Schisandra chinensis fruit is a famous tonic traditional Chinese medicine and healthy food. The chemical components of dried fruits may vary with the initial processing methods of fresh fruits. Therefore, in this study, the influence of drying was evaluated based on targeted metabolomics analysis. The ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS) was applied in determination of multicomponent including lignans, organic acids, and oligosaccharides. The fresh fruits of Schisandra chinensis were processed by natural drying in the sun, hot air drying and vacuum drying at different temperatures, and vacuum freeze drying, respectively. The contents of lignans, organic acids, and oligosaccharides in different fruit samples were quantified and statistically analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The variation of totally 10 lignans, 5 organic acids, and 9 oligosaccharides with different drying process were compared. The results showed that the drying time of natural drying method was much longer than the other methods using instrument. For hot air and vacuum drying samples, most of lignans, organic acids, and oligosaccharides gradually decreased with the increase of temperature. And the appearance of fruit drying at higher temperature was dark red. At the same processing temperature, vacuum drying takes longer time than hot air drying. In addition, organic acid and oligosaccharide contents of vacuum freeze drying treated samples were higher than the other processed samples significantly. According to the targeted metabolomics analysis, the lignans, organic acids, and oligosaccharides markers were screened out for holistic quality evaluation of Schisandra chinensis fruits. In comprehensive consideration of multicomponent, drying time, fruit appearance and storage, and production feasibility, hot air drying at 50°C is more suitable for the process of Schisandra chinensis. The result is expected to provide a scientific basis for the selection of proper method for drying process of fresh Schisandra chinensis fruit.

A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schisandra chinensis (called bei-wuweizi in Chinese, S. chinensis) and Schisandra sphenanthera (called nan-wuweizi in Chinese, S. sphenanthera) are two highly similar plants in the Magnoliaceae family. Their dried ripe fruits are commonly used as traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of coughs, palpitation, spermatorrhea, and insomnia. They also are traditionally used as tonics in Russia, Japan, and Korea.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera are similar in appearance, traditional applications, ingredient compositions, and therapeutic effects. This review, therefore, aims to provide a systematic insight into the botanical background, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicology of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, and to explore and present the similarities and differences between S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search regarding S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera was collected by using electronic databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Science Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, and the online ethnobotanical database.

RESULTS

In the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP), there were 100 prescriptions containing S. chinensis, while only 11 contained S. sphenanthera. Totally, 306 and 238 compounds have been isolated and identified from S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, respectively. Among these compounds, lignans, triterpenoids, essential oils, phenolic acid, flavonoids, phytosterols are the major composition. Through investigation of pharmacological activities, S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have similar therapeutic effects including hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, cardioprotection, anticancer, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and hypoglycemic effect. Besides, S. chinensis turns out to have more effects including reproductive regulation and immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antitussive and antiasthmatic, anti-fatigue, antiarthritic, and bone remodeling effects. Both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have inhibitory effects on CYP3A and P-gp, which can mediate metabolism or efflux of substrates, and therefore interact with many drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have great similarities. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are regarded to contribute to most of the bioactivities. Schisandrin A-C, schisandrol A-B, and schisantherin A, existing in both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera but differing in the amount, are the main active components, which may contribute to the similarities and differences. Study corresponding to the traditional use is needed to reveal the deep connotation of the use of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera as traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, a joint study of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera can better show the difference between them, which can provide a reference for clinical application. It is worth mentioning that the inhibition of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera on CYP3A and P-gp may lead to undesirable drug-drug interactions.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Assisted Extraction, Partially Structural Characterization, and Bioactivities of Acidic Polysaccharides from Lotus Leaves

Lotus leaves are often discarded as byproducts in the lotus industry. Polysaccharides are regarded as one of the essentially bioactive components in lotus leaves. Therefore, in order to promote the application of lotus leaves in the functional food industry, the deep eutectic solvent (DES) assisted extraction of polysaccharides from lotus leaves (LLPs) was optimized, and structural and biological properties of LLPs extracted by DES and hot water were further investigated. At the optimal extraction conditions (water content of 61.0% in DES, extraction temperature of 92 °C, liquid-solid ratio of 31.0 mL/g and extraction time of 126 min), the maximum extraction yield (5.38%) was obtained. Furthermore, LLP-D extracted by DES and LLP-W extracted by hot water possessed the same sugar residues, such as 1,4-α-D-GalAp, 1,4-α-D-GalAMep, 1,3,6-β-D-Galp, 1,4-β-D-Galp, 1,5-α-L-Araf, and 1,2-α-L-Rhap, suggesting the presence of homogalacturonan (HG), rhamnogalacturonan I and arabinogalactan in both LLP-W and LLP-D. Notably, LLP-D was much richer in HG fraction than that of LLP-W, suggesting that the DES could assist to specifically extract HG from lotus leaves. Additionally, the lower molecular weight and higher content of uronic acids were observed in LLP-D, which might contribute to its much stronger in vitro antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. These findings suggest that the optimized DES assisted extraction method can be a potential approach for specific extraction of acidic polysaccharides with good bioactivities from lotus leaves for applications in the functional food industry.

Review of ultrasound combinations with hybrid and innovative techniques for extraction and processing of food and natural products

Ultrasound has a significant effect on the rate of various processes in food, perfume, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, bio-fuel, materials, or fine chemical industries, despite some shortcomings. Combination with other conventional or innovative techniques can overcome these limitations, enhance energy, momentum and mass transfer, and has been successfully demonstrated in many recent studies. Various ultrasound combined hybrid and innovative techniques are systematically summarized in this review for the first time. Ultrasound can be combined with diverse conventional techniques including Soxhlet, Clevenger, enzyme, hydrotropes, ionic liquids, Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) or Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES), to enhance mixing and micro-mixing, reduced thermal and concentration gradients, and selective extraction. Moreover, combinations of ultrasound with other innovative techniques such as microwave, extrusion, supercritical fluid, subcritical and pressure liquids, Instant controlled pressure drop (DIC), Pulsed Electric Field (PEF), Ultra-Violet (UV) or Infra-Red (IR) radiations, Counter-current chromatography (CCC), or centrifugal partition chromatographs (CPC) can enable reduced equipment size, faster response to process control, faster start-up, increased production, and elimination of process steps. The theories and applications of these ultrasound combined hybrid and innovative techniques as well as their advantages and limitations are compared, and further perspectives are proposed. This review provides new insights into advances in ultrasound combined techniques and their application at research, educational, and industrial level in modern food and plant-based chemistry.

The Chemical, Structural, and Biological Properties of Crude Polysaccharides from Sweet Tea (Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun) Based on Different Extraction Technologies

Eight extraction technologies were used to extract sweet tea (Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun) crude polysaccharides (STPs), and their chemical, structural, and biological properties were studied and compared. Results revealed that the compositions, structures, and biological properties of STPs varied dependent on different extraction technologies. Protein-bound polysaccharides and some hemicellulose could be extracted from sweet tea with diluted alkali solution. STPs extracted by deep-eutectic solvents and diluted alkali solution exhibited the most favorable biological properties. Moreover, according to the heat map, total phenolic content was most strongly correlated with biological properties, indicating that the presence of phenolic compounds in STPs might be the main contributor to their biological properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study reports the chemical, structural, and biological properties of STPs, and the results contribute to understanding the relationship between the chemical composition and biological properties of STPs.

Optimization and modeling of microwave-assisted extraction of curcumin and antioxidant compounds from turmeric by using natural deep eutectic solvents

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have recently come to the fore as new green solvents for foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals due to their unique solvation power and low toxicity. Turmeric extracts were prepared using the microwave assisted extraction method (MAE) using five NADES containing binary combinations of choline chloride, lactic acid, fructose, and sucrose. The MAE method was optimized and modeled by using response surface methodology to obtain maximum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and curcumin contents (CC) in extracts for each NADES. All NADES extracts, except NADES-1 containing fructose and cholin chloride, exhibited higher TAC and CC than those in 80% methanol:water which was the preferred solvent in literature. NADES solvents did not interfere with subsequent antioxidant capacity measurements using the CUPRAC method. The proposed MAE is a potentially efficient and sustainable procedure in pharmaceutical and food industries for the extraction of antioxidants and curcumin from turmeric.

New generation of supramolecular mixtures: Characterization and solubilization studies

In this work, a series of novel low melting mixtures (LMM) based on cyclodextrins (CD) and levulinic acid and inspired by the deep eutectic solvents (DES), were prepared. These supramolecular mixtures are the first reported CD-based mixtures that are liquid at room temperature. Density, viscosity and rheological measurements as well as differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to characterize these new LMM. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to monitor their stability. Furthermore, their ability to solubilize trans-anethole (AN) and related essentials oils were evaluated by static headspace-gas chromatography (SH-GC), in comparison with water. AN was up to 1300 times more soluble in the CD-based LMM than in water. Finally, multiple headspace extraction (MHE) was used to monitor the release of AN from these LMM. After 10 extractions, 20 to 40% of AN was released from the studied LMM, while 70% was released from water. The new CD-based LMM have potential applications for solubilization and delivery of poorly soluble drugs.