Ultrasonication assisted ultrafast extraction of Tagetes erecta in water: cannonading antimicrobial, antioxidant components

Tagetes is one of the well established and well researched plant materials that are extensively used owing to their enumerable beneficial properties. Extraction of its bioactive components is well established in terms of organic solvent based extractions. However, organic solvent based extractions limit the practical applicability of the extracts and its practical implementation. In this regard, water based extraction strikes a high note. For the first time, the sonication assisted extraction of Tagetes has been demonstrated and the methodology validated for its superior extraction success compared to the conventional hot water extraction method. The results confirm the use of ultrasonication to lead to accelerated and extremely significant (2-3 order increase) extraction of total phenolics, antioxidants and flavanoids, leading to enhanced antimicrobial activity. The flowers held the highest bioactive molecules. FESEM based imaging studies revealed membrane bound damage as the reason behind the bactericidal activity. The future implementation of ultrasonication technology for accelerated ultrafast extraction of herbal and tea infusion formulations is highly recommended.