Microwave-ultrasonic technique development coupled with natural deep eutectic solvents in anthocyanin extraction from perilla leaves (Perilla frutescens var. Acuta)

Background As potent antioxidants, anthocyanins can protect the body from free radicals. However, the traditional solvent extraction method has the disadvantages of requiring a high extraction temperature and long extraction time, so it is necessary to develop an efficient extraction method for anthocyanins. Results In this study, the technique of natural deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was applied to extract anthocyanins from purple perilla leaves with the aid of microwave-ultrasonic assisted extraction (MUAE). The response surface methodology (RSM), based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD), predicted the maximum extraction yield of anthocyanins to be 619.62 mg (100 g) −1 under the following conditions: x 1 (ultrasonic extraction power) = 357.25 W, x 2 (time) = 25.62 min, and x 3 (temperature) = 57.80 °C. The biological activity of the extract obtained was evaluated by examining its radical-scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion radicals. Its bacteriostatic impact was investigated on four typical bacteria: Shewanella putrefaciens ( S. putrefaciens ), Pseudomonas fluorescens ( P. fluorescens ), Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). Conclusion The integrated extraction method of DESs with MUAE was efficient, energy-saving, green, and sustainable. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.