Technological process of ultrahigh-pressure extraction of saponins from Panax quinquefolius

To study the technology of ultrahigh-pressure extraction(UHPE) of saponins from Panax quinquefolius root at normal temperature, the effects of different extraction solvents, concentrations of solvent, extraction pressures, solvent to material ratios and extraction time on extraction ratio were investigated. The UHPE method was compared with heat reflux extraction method, ultrasound extraction method, microwave extraction method and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. The optimum extraction conditions were obtained as follows: extraction solvent was ethanol of 70%(V/V), extraction pressure was 200 MPa, solvent/material(w/v) ratio was 50∶1 (w/v), and extraction time is 2 min. Ultrahigh-pressure extraction of saponins from Panax quinquefolius root saved a lot of time, obtained the highest extraction yield, the least energy consumption and so on. The UHPE was proved to be a new process for extraction of the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine.