Impact of extraction techniques on the neuroprotective efficacy of procyanidins

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a growing global health challenge, particularly in aging populations, with limited therapeutic options currently available worldwide. Procyanidins, a class of flavonoids widely distributed in plant-based materials and agro-industrial wastes, have demonstrated significant neuroprotective properties attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloidogenic activities. However, the methods used for extracting the compounds play a crucial role in determining their structural integrity and bioactivity. This review systematically examines the impact of five extraction techniques: solvent extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction on the neuroprotective effects of procyanidins. Emphasis is on how each method affects compound yield, stability, degree of polymerization, and interaction with key molecular targets relevant to neurodegeneration. This review delineates the structure-function relationships influenced by processing conditions. It also highlights emerging trends and limitations in current extraction strategies and proposes avenues for optimizing bioprocesses to enhance the therapeutic potential of procyanidins in functional food and pharmaceutical applications. © 2025 Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

Impact of extraction techniques on the neuroprotective efficacy of procyanidins Academic Article in Scopus