Unlocking the Hidden Value of Lycoris radiata Leaves: Superior Bioactivities and Phytochemical Richness via Vacuum Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction

Lycoris radiata is a medicinal and ornamental plant rich in Amaryllidaceae alkaloids and polyphenols. However, most studies have focused solely on its bulb extracts, neglecting the potential benefits of its leaves and roots. Due to the complex structures of its alkaloids and the difficulty of chemical synthesis, effective extraction methods are essential. This study evaluated the biological activities of different L. radiata tissues using a sequential experimental approach. Initially, leaves, bulbs, and roots were extracted via maceration, ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), and vacuum ultrasonic-assisted extraction (VUAE) to compare their antioxidant properties (DPPH, ABTS, total phenolics, and total flavonoids). Based on superior yield and antioxidant capacity, VUAE was selected to prepare extracts from the three plant parts for comparative evaluations of cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and specific enzymatic inhibitions (tyrosinase, MMP-1, elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase). Furthermore, the leaf extract obtained via VUAE—which demonstrated prominent multifunctional efficacy—was exclusively analyzed for its phytochemical profile (via HPLC-UV/ESI-MS/MS), molecular docking binding affinities, in vitro wound healing capacity, and transdermal permeation efficiency. VUAE achieved the highest extraction yields across all tissues. VUAE-derived leaf extracts exhibited the strongest ABTS radical scavenging activity, notable skin-whitening effects, significant anti-inflammatory properties, and effective wound healing. Both root and leaf VUAE extracts showed potent anti-aging activity by inhibiting key skin-degrading enzymes, whereas bulb extracts demonstrated the most pronounced antimicrobial activity. All extracts maintained cell viability above 70%, and leaf extracts promoted wound healing in HaCaT and CCD966SK cells. Chemical profiling identified 31 alkaloids and 18 polyphenols in the VUAE leaf extracts, with lycorine, galanthamine, rutin, quercetin, and cinnamic acid as key components contributing to the observed multifunctional effects. In summary, VUAE-derived L. radiata extracts (particularly those from leaves) exhibit broad bioactivities, safety, and high extractability, highlighting their strong potential for applications in cosmetics, dermatology, and agricultural biotechnology.