Study on decompression extraction of Sansheng Hehuan Decoction / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the advantages of decompression extraction applied in the preparation of Sansheng Hehuang Decoction (SHD). Methods: The process parameters of decompression extraction of SHD were optimized using synephrine and magnolol as indexes, the active components content, extract yield, extract powder characteristics, and volatile components by decompression extraction and atmospheric extraction were compared, and the microcosmic structures of synephrine and magnolol were observed. Results: The optimum extraction parameters were as follows vacuum degree of 0.08 MPa (60°C), extracting twice for 30 min each time, and solid-liquid ratio of 110. Compared with the extraction at normal pressure by water, the content of synephrine increased by 13%, the extracting rate of magnolol increased by 10% while the extracting rate of timosaponin BII was almost the same, and the yield of the dried extract decreased by about 33%. The kinds of volatile components by decompression extraction were almost the same as those by atmospheric extraction, but the yield was lower than that by atmospheric extraction. Besides, the powder characteristics including flowability and hygroscopicity of the extract prepared by decompression extraction were similar to those by water extraction and alcohol precipitation at normal pressure. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the decompression extraction did not break the cell wall, and the cells presented arrangement disorder and shrinkage, while the cell integrity was better than that extracted at normal pressure. Conclusion: In regard to energy consumption, extraction effectness, and convenience to the subsequent preparation, the decompression extraction method is superior to the traditional atmospheric extraction method, and it could be applied in the extraction process for Chinese materia medica preparations.