Extraction techniques for phytochemicals: Conventional and emerging methods

The pursuit of plant-derived bioactive compounds has gained increasing attention in scientific research. A variety of extraction techniques are employed to isolate these molecules, with conventional methods—primarily using organic solvents—beingwidely applied. However, such approaches often face limitations, including extract impurities, high solvent usage, and the potential denaturation of sensitive biomolecules. As plants contain diverse classes of phytochemicals with significant bioactive properties, selecting appropriate extraction methods that maximize yield while preserving structural integrity and biological activity is critical. Compared with conventional methods, modern extraction techniques offer significant advantages, including enhanced mass transfer, reduced extraction time, lower solvent and energy requirements, improved yields, and superior preservation of thermolabile and bioactive compounds. This paper reviews the advantages and limitations of both traditional and modern extraction strategies, emphasizing their applicability for efficient isolation of bioactive compounds.