Eco-Friendly Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Using Glucose-Based NADES

Abstract

Introduction: Chicory root (Cichorium intybus, Asteraceae) is a valuable source of phenolic compounds, known for their antioxidant and health-promoting properties. The application of NADES 
(Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents) offers an eco-friendly and efficient approach for isolating these bioactive compounds, ensuring high yield and stability for potential use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

 Aim: Investigation of the efficiency of ultrasound-assisted extraction of flavonoids and phenolic acids from chicory root using NADES, and comparison of the results with extracts obtained by conventional solvents.

 Materials and Methods: The extraction was performed from chicory cultivated at the Institute for Medicinal Plant Research, using three glucose-based NADES solvents: glucose–lactic acid (1:1), glucose–urea (1:2), and glucose–glycerol (1:2). For comparison, conventional solvents (methanol, ethanol, and water) were used. The content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

 Results: NADES solvents efficiently isolated phenolic acids and flavonoids, including gallic, chlorogenic, p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, coumaric, and ferulic acids, as well as epicatechin, quercetin, and naringenin, showing higher efficiency than conventional solvents. The concentrations ranged from 0.32 to 5.69 mg/g of raw material, with chlorogenic and caffeic acids being the dominant compounds, and the glucose–lactic acid mixture exhibiting the highest efficiency.

 Conclusion: Glucose-based NADES solvents offer an environmentally friendly and more efficient alternative to conventional solvents for extracting phenolic acids and flavonoids from chicory, with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.