## 1 Introduction  
Bioactive phytochemicals, which include a wide variety of compounds such as polyphenols, terpenes, terpenoids, alkaloids, carotenoids, and betalains, play a crucial role in both plant defense and human health [1]. Phenolic compounds represent a diverse group of secondary metabolites synthesized by plants and other organisms, characterized by the presence of a benzene ring with one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups directly bonded to it. The main classes of polyphenols comprise flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans, collectively forming a structurally diverse family with an estimated 5000 to 8000 distinct structural variants [2]. These bioactive molecules are pivotal in reducing oxidative stress, a critical factor in developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and cancer [3]. Anthocyanins, a type of flavonoids responsible for the vibrant violet, blue, and red pigmentation in many plants, demonstrate potent free radical-scavenging properties [4]. Carotenoids, which are lipid-soluble pigments, contribute to provitamin A activity and protect cells from oxidative damage [5]. Meanwhile, betalains, nitrogen-containing pigments, are valued for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [6]. Together, these compounds highlight the importance of phytochemicals in both plant resilience and human health. Traditional extraction methods like solvent extraction and maceration have been widely utilized to obtain bioactive compounds from plants. Many techniques, such as Soxhlet extraction, require high temperatures for solvent boiling and extended processing times [7]. However, these techniques often rely on solvents, including methanol, ethanol, and acetone, which are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution and are linked to climate change [8; 9]. Moreover, VOCs pose environmental and health risks due to their toxicity and potential carcinogenic properties. Some solvents can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled, and they may cause skin irritation upon contact. Certain solvents, like carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, and toluene, are identified as carcinogenic [10]. Furthermore, many conventional solvents are flammable, and their disposal poses challenges and high costs, potentially leading to environmental contamination [11]. In response to these challenges, the principles of green chemistry have emerged as a transformative paradigm. Green chemistry advocates for eco-friendly solvents and energy-efficient processes. It focuses on creating chemical products and processes that minimize or completely eliminate hazardous substances. [PERSON] and [PERSON] first introduced the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry in 1998 [12]. In the quest for new solvents, the journey is significantly longer. The first attempts to develop new solvents began at the beginning of the 20 th century. [PERSON], in 1914, described the first ionic liquid, ethylammonium nitrate [CH\({}_{3}\)CH\({}_{2}\)NH\({}_{3}\)]\({}^{+}\)[NO\({}_{3}\)]\({}^{-}\), a new type of solvent that is characterized by a liquid state at ambient conditions, with low volatility, composed of organic cations and inorganic anions [13]. The subsequent milestone was the identification of deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The first DES reported by [PERSON] et al. [14] was a 2:1 mixture of urea (melting point of 133 \({}^{\circ}\)C) and choline chloride (melting point of 302 \({}^{\circ}\)C), resulting in a melting point of only 12 \({}^{\circ}\)C. DESs are typically formed by combining hydrogen bond donors (HBDs, such as organic acids and sugars) with hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs, such as quaternary ammonium salts) in specific molar ratios. This mixture is highly versatile due to the wide variety of compounds that can fulfill these roles and the potential applications for these mixtures [15]. Finally, NADESs, i.e., natural deep eutectic solvents, were proposed by [PERSON] et al. [16] as a missing piece of the puzzle linking solvents composed of natural components, safe processes, and user safety.