Comparative analysis of phenolic extracts obtained from Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown leaves by microwave-assisted extraction using eco-friendly solvents.

This study demonstrated that microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was more effective for the recovery of phenolic compounds from L. alba leaves, compared to traditional methods such as Soxhlet extraction, infusion, and decoction, and resulted in higher antioxidant activity. Ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis enabled the identification of important phenolic compounds, such as acteoside/isoacteoside and theveside, in addition to several flavonoids, which could explain the high antioxidant activities.