Deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polyphenol from Chenopodium quinoa Willd.: Optimization and lipid-lowering activity.

Hyperlipidemia poses a serious threat to human health, but its medication remains some issues including significant adverse reactions. Polyphenols exhibit great potential in lowering blood lipids and the lipid-lowering effects of quinoa polyphenols are still waiting to be explored. In this study, a deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasonic-assisted extraction method of quinoa polyphenols was developed. Then, the constituents of quinoa polyphenols after purification CQP were analyzed. Besides, their lipid-lowering activities and mechanism were explored. Results suggested that CQP comprised at least 12 kinds of polyphenols. CQP could inhibit lipase, adsorb cholesterol, inhibit oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Subsequent network pharmacology, cellular experiments and molecular docking revealed that CQP might influence the expression levels or bind to AKT1 and FOXO1, thereby affecting their content or activity, ultimately regulating their functions and leading to changes of the cellular lipid levels. This study lays foundation for developing novel lipid-lowering drugs and functional foods.