Comparative study among microwave and conventional extractions of anthracene quinone from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei / 中成药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the characteristic and explore the mechanism of microwave extraction (MAE) in extracting Chinese medicines by comparing with conventional extractions on Radix et Rhizoma Rhei. Methods: The sum of anthraquinone was determined by spectrophotometry and aphrostase in paraffin section was observed by microphotography. Results: Among the four methods, the efficiency of MAE was significantly the highest, which was 3.5 times of supersonic extraction and 1.5 times of Sohlex extraction and 1.5 times of decocting by water, respectively. The time of MAE was the shortest. MAE could destroy the cell organization to pick up the speed of dissolving. Conclusion: MAE is efficient, saving energy and time in extracting Chinese medicines.