Optimization of imperatorin extraction from Qianliexin Capsules using deep eutectic solvent

As a novel drug, Qianliexin Capsules (QLX) have promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of prostate diseases. The drug has a demonstrated efficacy on improving urinary disorders caused by diseases such as enlarged prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer. The primary bioactive constituent in QLX is imperatorin (IMP). The objective of this study was to establish an environmentally friendly extraction process for the efficient extraction of IMP from QLX. Nine deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were systematically designed for efficient extraction of IMP from QLX. The extraction efficiency of IMP was quantitatively determined via high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC). A sequential optimization strategy combining single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to identify the optimal extraction conditions. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the DES extract of QLX was comprehensively evaluated using a battery of in vitro antioxidant assays. FT-IR, 1 H NMR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to verify the mechanism of DES. Under optimal conditions, the extraction yield of IMP reached 534.19 mg/g, which proves the high efficiency of DES. The in vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated that the DES extract of QLX exhibited notable antioxidant activity. The structural properties of DES were thoroughly examined via FT-IR and 1 H NMR, confirming the successful synthesis of DES through spectral analysis. SEM analysis revealed that DES treatment effectively disrupted the physical structure of QLX powder and facilitated the release of IMP from the QLX matrix. In this study, an environmentally friendly and efficient extraction process was established and successfully applied to the extraction of IMP from QLX. The experimental results show that this method shows remarkable application potential and provides a new research idea for the extraction of QLX active ingredients.