This work investigates the prospects for exploitation of Gnaphalium viscosum (Kunth) abundant but with limited applications till present biomass. The feasibility of traditional techniques (two-phase solvent, and the benchmark Soxhlet extraction) and supercritical extraction without/with a cosolvent at T = 40-60 °C and p = 30-50 MPa was examined to explore the possibility of recovering phytochemicals from G. viscosum leaves, flowers and stems. The efficiency of the techniques was assessed and compared based on yield, influence of solvents used, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the extracts. Phenolics of different complexities were identified and quantified by applying LC (LC-MS/MS, and LC-HRAM), while the fatty acid profile was determined by GC-FID. The results of this extensive study demonstrated the huge valorization potential and prospects of G. viscosum, since highly potent antioxidants such as kaempferol, kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucoside (astragalin), and chlorogenic acid were ascertained in considerable amounts. Furthermore, for the first time, the presence of leontopodic acid, a greatly substituted derivative of glucaric acid, was detected in the species.
Keywords: Mexican Gordolobo; antioxidants; biomass valorization; fatty acids; phytochemicals; supercritical CO2 extraction.