Pressurized hot water extraction and chemometric fingerprinting of flavonoids from Bidens pilosa by UPLC-tandem mass spectrometry

The need for greener extraction procedures that are quick and efficient has prompted the evolution of pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE). Here, the extraction of flavonoids from Bidens pilosa was demonstrated using PHWE at 50°C, 100°C and 150°C. The extracts were analyzed on UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS and 28 flavonoids of different classes were identified. Further analysis of the data using principal component analysis revealed differential distribution patterns of the identified molecules. In overall, the extraction yield increased proportionately with increasing temperature. It can thus be deduced that PHWE is an excellent extraction method of flavonoids from plant tissues. Again, this study reiterates B. pilosa as a rich source of flavonoids.