Vol. 12, Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Mohammed Shammas Ebrahim

Abstract:
The growing demand for functional foods and nutraceuticals, known for their health benefits, has led to increased interest in natural bioactive compounds. Extracting these compounds is essential from both industrial and technological perspectives. Conventional methods like maceration, hydrodistillation and solvent extraction are commonly used, but modern eco-innovative techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme assisted extraction, pulsed electric field and pressurized liquid extraction have gained popularity for their efficiency. The incorporation of innovative and combined novel techniques enhances extractability, leading to improved yields with higher extraction rates. Moreover, this process reduces impurities in the final extract and safeguards delicate thermo- sensitive compounds. It involves the utilization of diverse inorganic solvents and boasts low energy consumption. This review aims to assess the efficacy of various conventional, novel, and hybrid technologies utilized in extracting bioactive compounds from plant materials.