This study explores the bioactive compound extraction from laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves using a pulsed electric field (PEF) as a standalone extraction technique. The primary parameters impacting the extraction process were optimized through response surface methodology. Specifically, solvent composition (ethanol and water mixtures) and liquid-to-solid ratio, along with other key PEF conditions (i.e., electric field intensity, pulse period, and pulse length) were examined. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated through DPPH and FRAP assays, whereas total polyphenol content was also measured. A comparison was also made between the extracts produced with and without PEF. The results showed that after 30 min of extraction, the best parameters were a pulse period of 355 μs, a pulse duration of 55 μs, and an electric field intensity of 0.6 kV/cm. A liquid-to-solid ratio of 10 mL/g was chosen, whereas the best solvent was determined to be 25% (v/v) ethanol/water mixture. The PEF-treated extract contained 77% more polyphenols compared to the untreated sample. In addition, PEF-treated samples had a rise of up to 288% for certain individual polyphenols. Correlation analyses also revealed interesting trends among bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the extracts. The effect of the investigated parameters on polyphenol recovery was demonstrated, indicating that comparable investigations should consider these parameters to optimize polyphenol extraction yield. Regarding green and non-thermal standalone techniques, PEF outshines other extraction techniques as it could also be used as a sustainable way to swiftly generate health-promoting extracts from medicinal plants.
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