Deep Eutectic Solvent Systems as Media for the Selective Extraction of Anti-Inflammatory Bioactive Agents

Bioactive compounds (BCs) are naturally occurring molecules found in plants, fungi, and microorganisms that can provide health benefits beyond nutrition. However, in order to administer them, they must be extracted from these organisms. This study reviews the extraction of anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds using deep eutectic systems (DESs). It was found that DES extraction media can be categorized as either choline chloride-based or natural product-based (e.g., proline, betaine, and lactic acid). Results indicate that extraction yields depended on many factors such as extraction method and DES composition, with values ranging from 0.02 to 200 mg/g. For example, curcumin extraction using ChCl-propylene glycol (1:2), for example, reached 23.1 mg/g, whereas rutin extraction using ChCl-levulinic acid (1:2) achieved 200 mg/g. Regarding this, most of the eutectic mixtures used are choline chloride (ChCl)-based combined with sugars, polyalcohols, organic acids, or even water. Nonpolar DESs combining betaine, L-proline, amino acids, sugars, and organic acids have also been used for the extraction of BCs with anti-inflammatory potential. Although the use of DES offers significant advantages for extraction processes, certain limitations still need to be overcome. This review highlights the comparative advantages of DESs in terms of extraction efficiency and environmental sustainability, offering practical insights for selecting optimal systems to extract anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds.