From extraction to formulation: evaluating the polyol-assisted microwave extraction of phenolic compounds from Tiliacora triandraleaves for cosmetic applications.

BACKGROUND: Tiliacora triandra is a medicinal plant with promising cosmetic applications owing to its rich phytochemical composition. This study aims to investigate the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of phenolic compounds from T. triandra leaves using conventional and polyol-based green solvents, evaluate the bioactivity of the selected extracts, characterize their phytochemical profiles, and assess their potential for cosmetic formulations. METHODS: Seven solvents, including water, ethanol, and five polyols, were evaluated. Extraction conditions were investigated based on the total phenolic content (TPC), and the best-performing conditions within the investigated range were selected. The selected extracts were further assessed for antioxidant activity, mushroom tyrosinase inhibition, metabolite profiling by LC-QTOF-MS/MS, cellular anti-melanogenic and anti-tyrosinase activities, and formulation stability. RESULTS: Among the tested solvents, 1,2-hexanediol (HDO) achieved the highest extraction efficiency. The best-performing conditions within the investigated range were 60% solvent concentration, a 1:30 g/mL solid-to-liquid ratio, 90 °C, and 10 min extraction time. MAE with HDO produced higher TPC, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibition than ethanol and conventional extraction. LC-QTOF-MS/MS identified 12 metabolites, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, and ubiquinones. The extracts exhibited concentration-dependent anti-melanogenic and anti-tyrosinase activities in B16F10 cells. Gel-based serum formulations containing 1% and 3% extract showed acceptable physicochemical stability during storage. CONCLUSIONS: MAE using HDO is an efficient, eco-friendly strategy for producing bioactive-rich T. triandra extracts with promising antioxidant and skin-lightening properties for cosmetic applications.