Phenolic Acids From Plants: Extraction and Application to Human Health

Abstract Phenolic acids are biologically active molecules present in a wide range of edible and nonedible plants. They have a commercial value in beauty, health, and medicinal industries due to their antiaging, antitumor, antimicrobial, and antiinflammatory properties. This review provides a comprehensive report on the bioactivity and concentration range of commercially relevant phenolic acids in plants. Conventional and novel techniques used to extract phenolic acid are also covered. These include maceration extraction, Soxhlet extraction, liquid–liquid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and accelerated solvent extraction. The pros and cons of these extraction techniques from time, cost, extraction efficiency, and environmental impact will be discussed. This will allow readers to choose an extraction technique matching their budget and needs for downstream applications in medicine- or other health-related industries.