Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction Optimization of Alkaloids from Mitragyna speciosa: A Methodological...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Natural Product Extraction

Background:

• Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) is a plant from Southeast Asia with a history of traditional use for therapeutic properties.
• Kratom alkaloids are the primary constituents responsible for its biological activity.
• Existing extraction methods often rely on organic solvents, prompting research into more sustainable alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sustainable extraction methods for kratom alkaloids using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES).
• To optimize the extraction conditions for maximum efficiency and yield.
• To evaluate different recovery techniques for isolated kratom alkaloids.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 47 Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NaDES) systems.
• Optimization of the lactic acid: glucose system using one-factor-at-a-time and Box-Behnken design.
• Evaluation of solid phase extraction, macroporous resins, and acid-base extraction for alkaloid recovery.

Main Results:

• A food-grade NaDES system (lactic acid: glucose) showed superior extraction efficiency compared to organic solvents.
• Optimized conditions involved a 4:1 molar ratio, 20% water content, 30 mg/mL solid-to-liquid ratio, 70 °C, and 12 min ultrasound treatment.
• Strong cation exchange solid phase extraction yielded the highest recovery (95%), followed by macroporous resins XAD 18 and XAD 1600N (85%).

Conclusions:

• Sustainable NaDES offer a highly efficient alternative for kratom alkaloid extraction.
• Optimized extraction and recovery methods significantly improve yield and purity.
• This research provides a foundation for greener, more effective kratom alkaloid isolation techniques.