Development of optimized green extraction method for Ageratum conyzoides and comparative evaluation of prepared extractsOA

Background:Ageratum conyzoides L.(ACZ),generally acknowledged as goat weed,belongs to the Asteraceae family as a sustained history of use in traditional medicine for various disorders.Generally,it is extracted by conventional methods however to meet the rising demand of herbal extracts,innovative techniques are being adopted nowadays.In the current study,we intended to develop the optimized extraction conditions in ultrasound assisted extraction(UAE)for the selected medicinal plant and to compare its efficiency with the traditional maceration method.Methods:The central composite factorial design(CCFD)was applied to optimize the sonication based extraction process.The different extracts were evaluated for antioxidant and antifungal potential.Also,Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy(GC-MS)analyses were performed for the confirmation of structural and chemical composition of the extracts.Results:Higher yield of extract(17.5%w/w)and Precocene concentration(7.7%)was achieved with 26.16 mL/g of the solvent(70%limonene)in about 37 min of sonication.The duration of extraction is significantly reduced as compared to conventional method(8 days).Further,the IC_(50) for scavenging of free radicals and anti-microbial potential is significantly altered by the improved extract prepared by UAE optimized method.Conclusion:SEM analysis confirmed that UAE treatment causes the notable cavitation effects which improved the quality and quantity of extract in very short duration.Moreover,the UAE process is greener on the scale of sustainability,automation,solvent consumption and miniaturization as compared to maceration.Finally,it can be concluded that developed optimized UAE process can be employed for the extraction of selected medicinal plant to meet the rising commercial demand of the extract.