Application and optimization of ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent for the extraction of new skin-lightening cosmetic materials from Ixora javanica flower

The high demand for cosmetics has had a great impact on the development of innovative products in the cosmetic industry. The availability of raw materials has become a common problem in the cosmetic industry. Materials from nature can act as alternative sources, such as Ixora javanica. Several studies have shown the potential of I. javanica as an antioxidant and skin lightening agent. The objectives of the present study were to develop and optimize a green ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of I. javanica. Eleven deep eutectic solvents were evaluated based on extraction efficiency parameters; that is, flavonoid and anthocyanin yields; the antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of the extracts. The combination of choline chloride and propylene glycol (1:1) was shown to be the optimal deep eutectic solvent for I. javanica extraction. The extraction parameters of temperature, extraction time, and solid-to-liquid ratio were also optimized using response surface methodology. The total flavonoid compound obtained was 33 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried sample under the optimum extraction condition (extraction time of 5 min, temperature of 57 °C, solid-to-liquid ratio of 0.02 g/mL). In sum, this work demonstrates the potential of natural deep eutectic solvent as an organic solvent replacement to obtain high quality Ixora javanica extract, which is a potential new source of skin-lightening cosmetic materials.