Ionic liquids-based extraction of natural products from plants −An overview

The present review focus on the alternative use of ionic liquid-based extraction processes for bioactive compounds from plants over the past 24 years. To address the challenges caused by conventional organic solvents, much effort have been made to extract active components of natural products using ionic liquids (ILs). ILs have proven to be promising solvent media for extracting and separating bioactive components from different sources. The present review explores the potential use of ILs as alternative to traditional organic solvents for extracting bioactive compounds. It covers the comparative extraction yields of bioactive compounds from plant materials using a various technique, including both ILs and traditional organic solvents for extraction. Additionally, the review discusses the solubility of components in ILs, viscosity of ILs, extraction and identification of natural products. Other topics includes the sustainability, recovery and reusability of ILs along with their toxicity and environmental impacts. Strength, weakness, opportunities and threats emphasis of use of ILs in extraction of natural products were also discussed. Finally, computational techniques in optimizing IL-based extraction processes were also discussed.