New Technology For Extraction Of Active Ingredients From Plant Extracts

Plant extracts refer to substances containing active ingredients extracted from natural plants. Plant extracts are the main raw materials of herbal preparations, and can be used in nutritional supplements, health food, cosmetics, and other industries, and are the core products in the natural medicine and health care products market. Plant extracts are highly safe and have become an important source of medicine, food, and feed.

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Plant extracts include hundreds of flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, etc., and their relative molecular weights are low, ranging from hundreds to thousands; they have certain polarity. Soluble in many organic solvents. Since the late 1990s, plant extracts have gradually attracted the attention of the medical and food industries. The development of efficient plant extract separation methods plays an important role in completely changing the low level of natural product development, extensive production methods, and backward technology in my country, and is of great significance to the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine and the promotion of the traditional Chinese medicine industry.

The current common extraction technology

Supercritical C02 extraction

Supercritical extraction technology generally uses CO: as the extraction agent, which has the advantages of a simple process, no organic solvent residue, mild operating conditions, and no easy to damage the active ingredients. Supercritical fluid extraction technology is a new type of extraction and separation technology that emerged in the 1960s. In the mid-1980s, supercritical CO: extraction technology was gradually applied to the extraction, separation, and analysis of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicines, and it was a relatively successful new technology in research and application. The principle is to use the unique dissolving ability of supercritical fluid and the characteristics that the solubility of substances in a supercritical fluid is very sensitive to pressure and temperature changes and dissolve the dissolved substances in the supercritical fluid using temperature rise and pressure reduction (or both). The material is separated to achieve the purpose of separation and purification. It has two functions of rectification and extraction.

Supercritical CO2: Extraction technology applied to the extraction of active ingredients of Chinese herbal medicine has a series of advantages, such as good selectivity, low operating temperature, the adjustable particle size of the extract, so that the extract can reach the desired particle size, uniform particle size distribution, and high extraction rate, short extraction cycle, convenient and simple solvent recovery, recyclable, no pollution, etc. With the deepening of research, it was found that perfluoropolyether ammonium carbonate (PFPE) can make CO2: and water forms a microemulsion with good dispersibility, thus extending the application of supercritical CO2: extraction technology to an aqueous solution system, Now it has made it possible to extract proteins of strong polar compounds. Ultra-I critical fluid extraction equipment is high-pressure equipment with a large one-time investment and high operating costs. Therefore, it is difficult to popularize this technology in industrial production at present. However, with the development of localized and industrialized supercritical CO2: extraction production equipment, supercritical extraction technology will play a huge role in the field of traditional Chinese medicine extraction.

Microwave extraction technology

Microwave extraction technology is a new technology that uses microwave energy to improve extraction efficiency. Microwave refers to electromagnetic waves with a frequency between 300MHz and 3×105MHz. The medium molecules in the microwave field will be polarized, and the energy absorbed in the electromagnetic field will be converted into heat energy. The dielectric constant, specific heat, and water content of different components in the medium are different, and the degree of absorbing microwave energy is different, so the heat generated and the heat transferred to the surrounding environment are also different. The principle of microwave extraction technology is to use the difference in microwave absorption ability of different components to selectively heat certain areas of the matrix material or certain components in the extraction system so that the extracted material is separated from the matrix or system. Enter into the extractant with a small dielectric constant and relatively poor microwave absorption capacity, and achieve higher yield. In the microwave extraction process, the polarity of the solvent has a great influence on the extraction efficiency.

In the extraction of effective components of natural products, the advantages of microwave extraction technology are good selectivity; microwave has strong penetrating power; high heating efficiency, simple and low-cost equipment, wide adaptability; less reagent consumption, high extraction rate, time-saving, energy saving, less pollution. In microwave extraction technology, there is a problem of solvent water and intracellular water absorbing microwaves and microwave auxiliary equipment industrial amplification. This problem can be solved by breaking walls and leaching, using microwaves to wet and dry medicinal materials, and then using organic solvent extraction. Microwave extraction has become a powerful tool for the extraction of natural plant active ingredients due to its fast extraction speed and better quality of extracts, but its extraction mechanism needs further research, especially in China, microwave extraction technology is used in the extraction of Chinese herbal medicines There are still relatively few research reports and the space and value of its research and development are huge.

Ultrasonic extraction technology

Ultrasonic extraction technology uses the strong cavitation effect, mechanical vibration, high acceleration, emulsification, diffusion, crushing, and stirring effects generated by ultrasonic waves to increase the frequency and speed of material molecule motion and increase solvent penetration, thereby accelerating the effective extraction of drugs. The components enter the solvent to facilitate the extraction. Ultrasonic extraction technology is suitable for natural products, especially for the extraction of active ingredients of traditional Chinese herbal medicines. It is a new method and new technology for traditional Chinese medicine pharmacies to completely change the traditional extraction process. Compared with the conventional decoction method, water distillation method, and solvent extraction method, ultrasonic extraction technology has the following characteristics.

(1) The extraction temperature is low, which avoids the adverse effects of conventional decoction and reflux methods on the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine. The product has high biological activity and is suitable for the extraction of heat-sensitive substances.

(2) Wide applicability. Ultrasonic extraction has little to do with the properties (such as polarity) of the target extract. Most components of Chinese herbal medicines can be extracted by ultrasonic.

(3) Reduce energy consumption. Because ultrasonic extraction does not require heating or the heating temperature is low, and the extraction time is short, it can greatly reduce energy consumption and improve economic benefits.

(4) Ultrasound also has a certain bactericidal effect, which can ensure that the extract is not easy to deteriorate.

Biological enzymatic hydrolysis technology extraction

The cell wall of natural plants is composed of cellulose, and the active ingredients are often wrapped in the cell wall. The enzymatic method is to use cellulase, pectinase, protease, etc. (mainly cellulase) to destroy the cell wall of plants to facilitate the maximum dissolution of active ingredients. The enzymatic reaction can decompose plant tissue more gently, thereby greatly improving its extraction efficiency.

The enzyme is produced by the living cells of organisms, and it is a special type of biocatalyst in the form of protein. Certain enzymes can decompose plant cell walls under normal temperature, normal pressure, and mild acid-base conditions, greatly increase the extraction rate of active ingredients in natural products, improve the filtration speed and purification effect in the production process, and improve product purity and The quality of the preparation. This technology is carried out based on traditional natural product component extraction and can be completed by using conventional extraction equipment, which is easy to operate and low in cost.

semi-bionic extraction method

The semi-bionic extraction method is a new method proposed in recent years. From the perspective of biopharmaceuticals, it combines the overall drug research method with the molecular drug research method, simulates the environment of oral drug transport and absorption through the gastrointestinal tract, and adopts the guided separation method under the guidance of activity; it is also for oral administration through the digestive tract—a new extraction process for formulation design. The main features of the semi-bionic extraction method are as follows.

(1) The extraction process conforms to the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine, the characteristics of clinical medication, and the transport and absorption of oral drugs in the gastrointestinal tract.

(2) In terms of specific process selection, both active mixed components and monomer components are considered indicators.

(3) Less loss of active ingredients, low cost, short production cycle, etc. In the research on multiple single Chinese medicines and compound preparations, the semi-bionic extraction method has shown great advantages and broad application prospects.

Prospects for the application of plant extracts The extraction technology of plant extract active ingredients has developed rapidly in recent years and is constantly incorporating new technologies. However, our country's research in this area is still relatively backward, and there is still a considerable gap with foreign countries. As a result, our country is still mainly processing rough products. With the rise and continuous expansion of natural herbal medicines in the world, the demand for plant extracts as the main raw material has also increased. As a result, a large number of extract manufacturers have been born in my country, which has also driven the export of plant extracts in my country. Due to my country's unique basic theoretical advantages in the plant extract industry, the industrialization of plant extracts is an important link in the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine and technological innovation of traditional Chinese medicine in the future, and it is also an effective way for Chinese medicine to enter the international market. Plant extracts have only a history of more than 10 years in our country, but it is only in recent years that they have become popular. The plant extract industry has become one of the fastest-growing industries in China. The annual growth rate is more than 15%, and it is also one of the main export industries in China.

Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the research on the application of these new technologies to industrial production. It is believed that with the further improvement of the application of these new technologies in the field of extraction of active ingredients from plant extracts, the construction of this discipline will surely be raised to a new level.

The research on new separation, purification, and extraction technologies, especially some platform technologies, has important practical significance for the extraction of effective components of plant extracts and the development of new products in my country.

The main effect of Cistanche tubulosa and Cistanche extract

Cistanche tubulosa, commonly known as Rou Cong Rong, is a parasitic plant that grows primarily in the deserts of China, Mongolia, and Tibet. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, and recent scientific studies have identified several potential health benefits associated with its use. In this brief, we will explore the effects of Cistanche tubulosa on human health.

Anti-aging effects

One of the most well-known effects of Cistanche tubulosa is its anti-aging properties. This is due to the plant's high content of phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties help to protect the body from the damage caused by free radicals, which are molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to the aging process.

Studies have shown that Cistanche tubulosa extract can help to improve cognitive function and memory in aging rats, suggesting that it may have similar benefits for humans. Additionally, it has been found to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in human subjects.

Immune system support

Cistanche tubulosa has been found to have immune system-supporting properties. Studies have shown that it can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are key components of the immune system. Additionally, it has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce the risk of infections and other inflammatory conditions.

Sexual health benefits

Cistanche tubulosa has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for sexual dysfunction. Recent studies have found that it may have several sexual health benefits, including:

Increased libido: Cistanche tubulosa has been found to increase sexual desire in both male and female rats. Improved erectile function: In a study of male rats with erectile dysfunction, Cistanche tubulosa was found to improve erectile function and increase nitric oxide levels, which play a key role in the development of an erection.Increased sperm count: In a study of male rats, Cistanche tubulosa was found to increase sperm count and improve sperm quality.

Anti-cancer properties

Several studies have found that Cistanche tubulosa may have anti-cancer properties. It has been found to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer cells, including lung, liver, and breast cancer cells. Additionally, it has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce the risk of cancer.

Anti-fatigue effects

Cistanche tubulosa has been found to have anti-fatigue effects. In a study of mice, it was found to improve endurance and reduce fatigue by increasing the production of ATP, which is the primary source of energy for cells. Additionally, it has been found to reduce the levels of lactic acid in the blood, which can contribute to fatigue.

Cardiovascular health benefits

Cistanche tubulosa has been found to have several cardiovascular health benefits. It has been found to reduce blood pressure and improve blood lipid levels, which can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it has been found to improve endothelial function, which plays a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease.

In conclusion, Cistanche tubulosa has several potential health benefits, including anti-aging effects, immune system support, sexual health benefits, anti-cancer properties, anti-fatigue effects, and cardiovascular health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of this plant on human health, the available evidence suggests that it may be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle.