RESUMO
AIM: To evaluate the characteristic and explore the mechanism of MAE on Semen Cassiae by comparing MAE with commonly used extraction method. METHODS : The amount of anthraquinone was determined by spectrophotometer. The surface and cross section of Semen Cassiae were observed by microphotography. RESULTS : Among the four methods,the efficiency of MAE is 16 times that of ultrasonic extraction,3 times that of Sohlex extraction and 1.1 times of decocting by water,respectively. Micrographs taken after extraction differed markedly indicated that the degree of damage varied considerably. CONCLUSION : The MAE method is more advantageous than other traditional extraction methods (Soxhlet extraction and ultrasonic extraction) with regard to the extraction yield and the time and cost of the procedure.