Green extraction: concepts, principles, solutions, future prospects and challenges

Abstract

Since the early days, natural products have played a significant role in drug discovery and development. However, the extraction process of these compounds often includes many complex steps, consumes a lot of energy and a large volume of solvents, which can have a significant impact on the environment as well as human health. Therefore, it is necessary to find better ways to improve the yield of extraction, while minimizing risks that may affect the environment and humans. In this review, the basic concept and six principles of green extraction have been introduced. The solutions of green extraction have been also explored to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of green extraction, including (1) Use of renewable resources, (2) Use of innovative extraction techniques and solvents, (3) Reduction of energy consumption, (4) By-products and waste valorization, (5) Optimization of extraction process and (6) Other solutions. While the future of green extraction appears promising, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its widespread adoption and continued advancement. Therefore, it requires a lot of effort as well as the coordination of many different fields to turn these principles into concrete actions.