Multifunctional NADES-Based Extracts from Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Flowers for Potential Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry and Natural Product Chemistry
• Cosmetic Science and Formulation
• Microbiology and Biotechnology

Background:

• Paeonia lactiflora Pall. is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its diverse health benefits.
• Growing demand for sustainable, bioactive ingredients in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
• Need for novel extraction methods to yield multifunctional botanical derivatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extract bioactive compounds from fresh Paeonia lactiflora flowers using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES).
• To evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and olfactory properties of the NADES-based extract.
• To assess the stability of the extract for potential cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of fresh Paeonia lactiflora flowers using NADES composed of betaine and glycerol/sorbitol.
• Microwave-assisted extraction for rapid and efficient compound isolation.
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for volatile compound analysis.
• Antioxidant activity assessed via radical scavenging assays (vs. Trolox).
• Antimicrobial activity determined by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays against bacterial strains.
• Anti-biofilm assays against Staphylococcus aureus strains.
• Preliminary stability studies of the extract over 9 months.

Main Results:

• High phenolic content (33.0–34.4 mg GAE/g fresh flowers) extracted using NADES.
• Excellent radical scavenging activity (approx. 87.5%) and pleasant fragrance attributed to volatile compounds.
• Significant antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus (MIC 0.9–14.5 mg/mL) and Enterococcus species (MIC 28.8–57.8 mg/mL).
• Demonstrated anti-biofilm properties against Staphylococcus aureus.
• NADES extraction stabilized active metabolites over a 9-month period.

Conclusions:

• NADES extraction is a rapid and effective method for obtaining multifunctional ingredients from Paeonia lactiflora flowers.
• The resulting extract possesses potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-biofilm activities, along with desirable olfactory properties.
• The demonstrated stability of NADES-based peony extracts supports their direct incorporation into cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.