Advanced extraction of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract using a combined ultrasonic and cold plasma reactor

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) root extract has been used as a natural medicine and sweetener for a long time in many parts of the world. As a result, there has been a considerable emphasis on developing efficient and environmentally friendly methods for extracting bioactive components from Liquorice root. This work aims to examine extracting extract from Liquorice root using a combined ultrasonic-cold plasma reactor to elevate the extraction efficiency. Different parameters, including extraction time, ultrasonic power, and the argon-to-air ratio, were investigated using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design to raise extract quality. The total phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were calculated to evaluate this approach, and Glycyrrhizic acid content was quantified by HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography). Results showed that combining ultrasonic-cold plasma extraction greatly raised the yield of extract and bioactive components compared to conventional maceration and single-method methods. Particularly, The content of total phenol 10.23, 15.96, and 13.29%, total flavonoid content 21.47, 22.19, and 42.41%, and Glycyrrhizic acid 10.84%, 12.38%, and 15.89% increased by ultrasonic, cold plasma, and combined ultrasonic-cold plasma technique, respectively, compared to the maceration technique. Optimization of different extraction techniques showed that the best extract quality came from a mix of ultrasonic power, plasma composition, and extraction time. This study demonstrates that the combined ultrasonic-cold plasma technique is effective and efficient, and this technology has the potential for a new extraction method to present a more sustainable and effective substitute for premium Liquorice extracts for medicinal and commercial uses.