Developing Microwave Based Extraction as a Tool to Valorize Extraction of Phenolics to Boost Nutraceutical Industries: A Case Study on Taraxcum officinale

Background: Extraction or sample preparation is the first step in any research related to natural products and the objectives of the research could be seriously jeopardized if the extract prepared is not the true representative of the original crude material. The work reports a microwave assisted extraction model for the rapid extraction of phenolics and flavonoid bioactives from the leaves of Taraxacum officinale which is an edible plant with profound ethobotanical significance. The work aims to showcase new technological ventures to the nutraceutical industries for large scale production of such components which are greatly used as dietary supplements. Methods: The process optimization of the proposed method has been carried out using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array approach and total phenolics content (μg/gm dried extract in terms of chlorogenic acid equivalent) was used as the performance evaluation parameter. SEM reports and test of integrity of biological activity has also been reported. Results: Eight phenolic/flavonoid bioactives were identified using HPTLC. The final optimum conditions for rapid microwave assisted extraction of phenolics were reported as 160 W microwave power, 6 min irradiation time, 50 °C temperature and 2 min soak time. Results in terms of yield of total phenolics were very superior compared to 36 hours of conventional Soxhlet and maceration extraction. SEM images clearly indicated cellular ruptures, thus facilitating easy exit of bioactives from inside the cell to the external bulk solvent. Conclusions: The work basically attempts to encourage researchers in adapting to green technologies so that science, industry and environment can progress in tandem.