Lote leaves are rich in a number of nutrients and health benefits that combat dandruff, head lice, acne, hair loss and more. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and are an essential component in a popular herbal shampoo. The leaves are mentioned in the Sunnah in many ahaadeeth as a natural cure for numerous ailments.

Researchers from Fudan University have developed a new way to extract flavonoids and polyphenols from the lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.). The authors have developed a green extraction solvent that uses natural deep eutectic solvents to achieve the highest yield. The researchers conducted a comprehensive study of 19 different DES combinations and used the response surface method to optimize the extraction process. The best results were obtained with a choline chloride/urea with 40% water DES.

The results showed that the DES extracted flavonoids and polyphenols with high purity, good selectivity, and low toxicity. The DES also enabled the separation of the isoquinoline alkaloids in the extract. The aglycones of five flavonoids, including kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, myricetin and diosmetin, were identified.

In addition, the aglycones of two isoflavonoids, namely lupeol and luperon, were found in the DES-extracted lotus leaves. This demonstrates the potential of a green DES to effectively extract valuable compounds from complex and bioactive plants such as the lotus leaf. This new approach provides a promising platform for the development of more efficient extraction methods for biologically active components from natural plants and other biomolecules.