Academic Research Journal on Health Information Management

Vol. 7(2), pp. 30-36, April 2026

ISSN: 2734-2190

https://doi.org/10.14662/arjhim2026080

 

Full Length Research

 

 

Extraction and Quantification of Antioxidant Compounds from Medicinal Plants Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Green Chemistry Approach.

 

1Theresa Ataine and 2Akpobire Oghenekome

 

1Dept of Chemistry, Delta state College of Education Mosogar 2Dept of Science Laboratory Technology, Delta state Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara  

Corresponding author: Kabiru MY. Email: XXXXXXXXX  

Accepted 20 April 2026

Abstract

Abstract: The shift toward sustainable extraction technologies has intensified interest in natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as eco friendly alternatives to conventional organic solvents. This study evaluates the efficiency of three NADES formulations – choline chloride combined with glycerol (1:2), citric acid (1:1), or glucose (1:1) for extracting antioxidant compounds from three medicinal plants (Moringa oleifera, Ocimum gratissimum, and Vernonia amygdalina). Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was employed to enhance yield. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities were assessed using Folin Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride colorimetric, DPPH radical scavenging, and FRAP assays. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantified major phenolic antioxidants. The choline chloride:glycerol (1:2) NADES significantly outperformed the other formulations and conventional 70% ethanol, achieving the highest TPC in M. oleifera (86.42 ± 2.11 mg GAE/g) and DPPH inhibition (89.31 ± 1.42%). Relative to 70% ethanol extraction, NADES improved phenolic recovery by 41–43% across plants. HPLC identified quercetin (12.48 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (10.63 mg/g), gallic acid (8.17 mg/g), and rutin (6.45 mg/g) as dominant compounds. These findings establish that NADES based UAE provides a green, efficient, and scalable approach for recovering high value antioxidants, with strong potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

 

Keywords: Natural deep eutectic solvents; Antioxidant extraction; Medicinal plants; Green chemistry; Ultrasound assisted extraction; Phenolic compounds

Paper type: research