Sustainable Two-Phase Extraction of Flavonoids and Carotenoids from Calendula Flowers for Pharmaceutical Applications

Abstract

This study aims to optimize the two-phase extraction process for recovering flavonoids and carotenoids from Calendula officinalis flowers. A 70% ethanol-water mixture was used as the polar phase, while sunflower oil served as the non-polar phase, enabling the simultaneous extraction of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds. The optimal ratio of raw material to solvents, 1:10:10, achieved the highest extraction efficiencies, with optical densities of 0.450 at 408 nm for flavonoids and 0.272 at 450 nm for carotenoids. The physical properties of the flowers, including particle size, bulk density, and porosity, were analyzed to assess their influence on the extraction process. Compared to traditional single-solvent methods, this two-phase approach resulted in higher yields, reduced solvent consumption, and minimized waste generation. Due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits, the method demonstrates strong potential for industrial applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.