Extraction of bioactive compound from bael (<i>Aegle marmelos</i>) leaves: A comparative analysis of ultrasound and microwave‐assisted methods

Abstract This study designs, models, and compares microwave and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (MAE and UAE) methods for bioactive compounds from bael leaves, highlighting their advantages over conventional techniques in optimizing extraction efficiency. MAE achieved 45.50 ± 0.44 mg GAE/g, 11.41 ± 0.13 μg TAE/g, 0.29 ± 0.02 mg QE/g, 1.30 ± 0.09 mg diosgenin/g, and 80.40% ± 0.89% DPPH scavenging activity at optimized conditions (550 W microwave power, 2 min treatment time, and 26.74 mL solvent:BLP). However, UAE yielded 77.13 ± 0.62 mg GAE/g, 30.19 ± 0.18 μg TAE/g, 0.78 ± 0.02 mg QE/g, 1.09 ± 0.13 mg diosgenin/g, and 83.37% ± 0.80% DPPH scavenging activity at optimized conditions (32% amplitude, 18.5 min treatment time, and 40.9 mL solvent: BLP). Statistical analysis validated RSM model's accuracy, with UAE and MAE models achieving R² &gt; 0.95 and low error values. UAE demonstrated superior efficiency in extracting bioactive compounds, reducing antinutritional components, and enhancing antimicrobial activity. FTIR and SEM confirmed higher phenolic content and greater cell disruption. These methods boost extraction efficiency, supporting the development of nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Practical Application The introduction of innovative extraction methods such as microwave and ultrasound assistance has developed the isolation of bioactive compounds from bael leaves, with wide‐ranging applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, food industries, and so forth. Significant findings reveal that optimized ultrasound and microwave extraction processes yield higher amounts of bioactive compounds and preserve thermolabile components, demonstrating strong potential for industry‐scale production. These advanced techniques efficiently extract compounds with potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, developing novel drugs, nutraceuticals, skincare products, natural pesticides, and growth enhancers. The resulting extracts, rich in bioactive components, offer significant health benefits and robust antimicrobial activity, making them valuable ingredients for cutting‐edge products in healthcare and wellness. By leveraging the medicinal potential of bael leaves through modern extraction processes, researchers and industries can create functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics that meet the demand for natural, effective, and sustainable solutions. These innovations represent a significant leap in product development, emphasizing the importance of nature‐derived ingredients in addressing progressing consumer needs for health and well‐being.