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Chapter 2 Methods of obtaining drugs from medicinal and aromatic plants 73
2.3.3.6 Hydrodistillation and steam distillation
These two methods are commonly used for extracting essential oils from plant materi­als, based on the principle of separating components according to differences in their physical properties. In hydrodistillation, plant samples are placed in a closed con­tainer with an appropriate amount of water. The mixture is then boiled or subjected to direct steam. The steam carries the extracted essential oil to a condenser, where it cools down and forms a liquid mixture. This process also results in the creation of a by-product called “hydrosol,” a water component containing part of the plant’s es­sence [83].
Steam distillation is a suitable extraction technique for temperature-sensitive ma­terials such as oils, resins, hydrocarbons, and other compounds that are water­insoluble and can be separated at their respective boiling points. It has been used for many years for the extraction of essential oils from plants. The process involves dis­tilling a component or mixture of components at temperatures significantly lower than their specific boiling points. Fresh or dried plant material is placed in the steel chamber of the apparatus, and the generated steam passes through the plant material, penetrating its cells, softening them, and facilitating the volatilization of the essential oil. Once released, small droplets of oil are formed and mix with the steam (carrier), passing into a cooling system. The mixture condenses there, forming a liquid mixture where the oil phase is typically at the top. The less dense oil is easily separated from the water [84].
Hydrodistillation and steam distillation are traditional extraction methods for iso­lating essential oils. The primary advantage of these methods is their low cost. How­ever, they also have disadvantages, including low extraction yield, partial loss of vola­tile components, lengthy processing times, and the potential degradation of some components. Despite these drawbacks, these two methods remain the most commonly preferred techniques for essential oil isolation [85].
2.3.3.7 Soxhlet extraction
The Soxhlet extractor, developed by German chemist Franz Ritter Von Soxhlet in 1879, has remained a popular apparatus for many years and is widely used today for the extraction of natural source compounds. It has also served as a reference model for newly developed extraction techniques [59].
For the extraction process, the finely ground dry sample is first placed into the extraction chamber of the Soxhlet apparatus. This chamber typically consists of a po­rous bag or “thimble” made of filter paper or cellulose. The extraction solvent is then heated above its boiling point in the distillation flask. Vapors from the boiling solvent move into the condenser, where they condense and drip back onto the sample. Once the solvent reaches the siphon level, the siphon empties the solution back into the dis-
74 İrem Yıldız Özbaş, Severina Pacifico, and Emre Özbaş
tillation flask. The solutes dissolved in the solvent are transferred to the bulk liquid in the flask. As the solvent flows back into the solid plant material bed, the dissolved metabolites are retained in the distillation flask. This allows the hot solvent to circu­late through the material multiple times. Since only pure solvent is vaporized, fresh solvent is used in every cycle, while the extracted metabolites remain in the solvent flask. This process is repeated until the extraction is complete [47, 59]. Therefore, it is a time-consuming process that requires multiple cycles to complete the extraction. Prolonged exposure of bioactive compounds to high temperatures can result in the degradation of thermolabile components, reducing their quality. The efficiency of Soxhlet extraction depends on various factors such as the average particle size of the material, extraction time, and the choice of solvents, whether polar or nonpolar [86].
Soxhlet extraction is a straightforward and practical technique that allows for an endless cycle of extraction using a new solvent until all of the solute in the raw mate­rial has been extracted [58]. In fact, the primary characteristic of Soxhlet system is the gradual recycling of the extracting solvent, which prevents the solvent from poten­tially settling during the maceration step, which is traditionally seen upon simple con­tact between the solvent and the sample matrix, and displaces transfer equilibrium to ensure a high extraction yield [56].
Soxhlet extraction can be applied to solid and semisolid plant materials, but it is primarily used for extracting components from solid samples. A dry, finely divided solid is the acceptable sample for Soxhlet extraction. A number of variables, including temperature, solvent-sample ratio, and agitation speed, must be taken into account. The extraction solvents are usually pure organic solvents or their mixtures, and high purity is required for these solvents. However, this increases exposure to toxic or­ganic solvents and their environmental impact [47].
Although the Soxhlet extraction method has drawbacks, such as prolonged proc­essing times and significant solvent usage, it is still frequently utilized for plant mate­rial extraction because of its simplicity [56]. In recent years modern versions of Soxh­let extractors, including pressurized, automated, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave­assisted versions, have also been developed [47].
2.3.3.8 Advanced extraction techniques
There are several methods available for extracting plant materials. Due to the long processing times, high solvent consumption, and low yields associated with traditional extraction techniques, the use of modern extraction methods has increased in recent years. Innovative and more environmentally friendly advanced extraction techni­ques, which minimize the use of synthetic and organic chemicals, have been devel­oped to replace traditional methods. Most of these techniques use mechanisms such as heating and ultrasonic vibrations to break down cell walls more rapidly, enhancing the solubility of desired active compounds and improving extraction efficiency [87].
Chapter 2 Methods of obtaining drugs from medicinal and aromatic plants 75
Modern methods are highly automated, allowing for the simultaneous control of multiple parameters. By selecting the most suitable technique, both sample and sol­vent consumption can be reduced. These methods enable efficient extraction in a shorter time, often providing extracts with higher yield and quality compared to con­ventional methods. One common feature of these techniques is their ability to operate at high temperatures and pressures. Many modern methods are much more suitable for the extraction of heat-sensitive and volatile compounds compared to traditional methods [88].
The most prominent modern extraction methods include microwave-assisted ex­traction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and ultrasonic­assisted extraction. These techniques are suitable for industrial-scale extraction of ac­tive compounds from plants. Additionally, the use of green technology, which combines the use of green solvents such as deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids, offers a good alternative for the extraction of natural compounds, achieving higher yields with less solvent and energy consumption [89]. A brief comparison of the advantages and disad­vantages of advanced extraction techniques is presented in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3: The advantages and disadvantages of advanced extraction techniques.
Method Advantages Disadvantages References
Ultrasound­assisted extraction
Pulsed-electric field extraction
Microwave­assisted extraction
Reduced reaction/preparation times Minimal material consumption Effective and economical solvent use Increased sample throughput Short extraction time High efficiency
Short extraction time High efficiency Low energy Less solvent Low extraction temperature
Short extraction time Ease of use High efficiency Less amount of solvent Automation of the instrument Easily coupled with other analytical methods Low energy consumption
Decline of extraction of power with time High cost Nonselective Heat can damage thermal labile compound
Free radical formation Expensive equipment Efficiency dependent on the conductivity of the environment
It can damage heat-sensitive compounds Limited penetration depth Uneven heating in complex matrices Equipment and maintenance cost
[88, 90]
[91, 92]
[8, 93]
76 İrem Yıldız Özbaş, Severina Pacifico, and Emre Özbaş
Table 2.3 (continued)
Method Advantages Disadvantages References
Supercritical extraction
Pressurized liquid extraction
Enzyme-assisted Extraction
Solid-phase microextraction
Short extraction time High selectivity Suitable for thermally unstable compounds Better diffusivity Requires less sample and solvent Environmentally friendly Ability to operate at low temperatures Minimal waste production Ease of automation Possibility of on-line coupling with separation and detection techniques
High efficiency and extraction yield Green technology Automation Reducing time and solvent consumption Protection sensitive compounds Selectivity
Sustainable and eco-friendly High efficiency Low energy consumption Simple recovery with reduced solvent usage
Ease of use Low cost High efficiency Rapidity Being solvent-free A lack of requirement for special equipment Improved sensitivity Automation, miniaturization High-throughput performance Online coupling with various analytical instruments
Limited to low-polarity compounds Low extraction yields Expensive
High instrument cost [96, 97]
Slow process Difficulty in achieving optimal conditions Expensive
Fiber breakage Sample carry-over problems pH instability
[94, 95]
[76, 98, 99]
[100, 101]
2.3.3.9 Ultrasound-assisted extraction
Ultrasound-assisted Extraction (UAE) is a technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves for the extraction of target compounds. UAE is considered an environ­mentally friendly technology due to its ability to reduce the need for organic solvents.
Chapter 2 Methods of obtaining drugs from medicinal and aromatic plants 77
The significant increase in the production of targeted plant-based molecules makes UAE a highly efficient method [102].
In ultrasound-assisted extraction, also known as sound wave-assisted liquid ex­traction, sound waves are emitted into the medium through devices that generate ul­trasonic sound, enabling the extraction process. This method typically relies on sound waves produced by devices operating at frequencies ranging from 20–50 kHz, which disrupt the structure of the cell walls in the sample, thereby facilitating the penetra­tion of the solvent into the plant material [69].
Several parameters influence the extraction efficiency in UAE. These include the frequency and intensity of ultrasonic waves, the type of solvent, extraction time, and temperature. These factors can be optimized based on the characteristics of the mate­rial and components to be extracted, ensuring that target compounds are not de­graded or subjected to thermal damage, thereby maximizing extraction efficiency. UAE can be performed in two ways: bath extraction and probe (horn) extraction. In bath extraction, the sample container holding the plant material is immersed in a liq­uid medium (usually water) or placed in a bath directly exposed to ultrasonic waves. In probe extraction, ultrasonic horns are applied directly to the sample. Both methods generate cavitation through vibrations, breaking down cellular barriers and facilitat­ing the extraction of desired compounds [90].
In UAE, solvents such as ethylene glycol, water, ionic liquids, and its oligomers, glycerol, or other solvents derived from biomass can be used [103]. This method ena­bles the extraction process to be carried out with lower energy consumption, shorter durations, and at lower temperatures. Additionally, it requires fewer instruments and smaller solvent volumes, making it an environmentally friendly approach [104].
2.3.3.10 Pulsed-electric field extraction
In extraction processes, nonthermal technological methods are gaining increasing im­portance as alternatives to thermal treatments. Pulsed electric field (PEF) is a tech­nique that uses moderate to high electric fields to reduce the damage caused by tradi­tional heating methods to plant materials. PEF extraction enhances mass transfer by disrupting the matrix in which the components are embedded within the plant mate­rial. PEF technology is a promising alternative to many other extraction methods, as it allows the extraction of plant components without affecting their activities. The use of PEF for extraction has increased extraction yield, shortened processing time, pre­vented the decomposition of temperature-sensitive materials due to the absence of thermal treatment, reduced energy costs, and eliminated negative environmental im­pacts. Recently, this technology has also been employed to stimulate the biosynthesis of metabolites in plants beyond its application in extraction [91, 105].
The fundamental principle of PEF-assisted extraction is based on placing plant material between two metal electrodes and exposing it to repetitive short pulses of
PEF
Transfer of large and small molecules into the
intracellular region
Transfer of proteins into the cell
membrane
Cytoplasmic fusion
Cell disruption
Figure 2.13: Effects of PEF on cells.
78 İrem Yıldız Özbaş, Severina Pacifico, and Emre Özbaş
moderate electric fields and low energy input. This process induces permeabilization of plant cell membranes through pore formation, a phenomenon known as electropo­ration or electropermeabilization. This technique shows great potential for the selec­tive recovery of target intracellular compounds. One of the primary reasons why purer extracts can be obtained with PEF is its selective effect on the cytoplasmic mem­brane, allowing the targeted discharge of intracellular components without disrupting the overall cell structure. As a result, the need for additional purification steps is re­duced. For this reason, PEF is applied to plant tissues as a pretreatment that facilitates extraction [106].
PEF technology is a nonthermal, minimally invasive, and environmentally friendly technique. Due to its ability to enhance mass transfer of intracellular components through electroporation, PEF has found its place in plant extraction processes. The ef­fects of PEF on cells are illustrated in Figure 2.13. The electric field applied disrupts the cell’s lipid bilayer membrane, alters its permeability, and facilitates contact between the solvent and target compounds. This results in an increase in extraction efficiency. Consequently, it reduces the solvent temperature and concentration required for ex­traction. Lower temperatures help preserve the structural and bioactive properties of heat-sensitive compounds during extraction [92].
The efficiency of electroporation is generally improved by increasing crucial factors like the strength of the electric field, treatment duration, and application temperature. Additionally, the ease, speed, and scalability of adapting PEF to industrial tools make it a versatile technology for integration with other methods. However, PEF parame­ters must be tailored to each species, considering their structures, sizes, and other fac­tors that influence extraction efficiency [107].
Chapter 2 Methods of obtaining drugs from medicinal and aromatic plants 79
2.3.3.11 Microwave-assisted extraction
Microwave-assisted extraction is a technique in which the sample is extracted by ap­plying microwave energy in an appropriate solvent. In this method, high-frequency microwave energy as a type of electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 1 mm to 30 cm is used. Microwave energy heats the sample from the inside out, pro­viding simultaneous and homogeneous heating. Since microwave energy accelerates heating, it also speeds up the extraction process and allows the use of less solvent. This type of extraction enables rapid and effective extraction of the materials. Key parameters impacting extraction efficiency include the choice of solvent, operating temperature, microwave power, exposure time, as well as the properties of the plant material, its matrix, and particle size [108].
The basic principle of the microwave-assisted extraction method involves heating intracellular water, leading to the breakdown of plant cells and allowing the solvent to penetrate the plant matrix, resulting in the transfer of components into the solvent. Microwaves disrupt hydrogen bonding in organic molecules and induce dipole rota­tion. This causes ions with increased kinetic energy to continuously move and change direction. The disruption of hydrogen bonds also enhances the ability of solvents to penetrate the plant matrix [109].
Microwave radiation’s most significant characteristic is its interaction exclusively with the dipoles of polar or polarizable substances (solvents and samples). The heat generated through microwaves is transferred via conduction on the surface of these materials. Since energy transfer occurs solely through dielectric absorption, nonpolar liquids exhibit very weak heating. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is selectively applied using solvents with high dielectric constants and polar substances. MAE is suitable for certain secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids and some flavo­noids, but not for those sensitive to thermal degradation, such as anthocyanins and certain tannins [110]. In a closed MAE system, it is possible to reach temperatures 2–3 times the boiling points of certain solvents (such as acetone, acetone-hexane, dichloro­methane-acetone). This significantly increases the extraction efficiency of components from the plant matrix. Solvents like water, methanol, and ethanol have high micro­wave absorption capacities and can rapidly increase in temperature, thereby reduc­ing the processing time [93].
2.3.3.12 Supercritical extraction
Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is an environmentally friendly extraction tech­nique. Its key feature is the use of supercritical fluids as solvents. These fluids operate above their critical temperature and pressure, showing physicochemical features that exhibit a balance between gas-like and liquid-like behaviors (Figure 2.14) [111]. The low viscosity and high diffusivity of supercritical fluids allow the solvent to penetrate
Figure 2.14: The supercritical fluid region.
80 İrem Yıldız Özbaş, Severina Pacifico, and Emre Özbaş
the material more effectively, significantly reducing extraction time. Among supercrit­ical fluids, carbon dioxide (CO native to organic solvents. CO
) is the most widely used solvent as an excellent alter-
2
is an efficient solvent for an extensive variety of com-
2
ponents, and its inert, nontoxic, safe, and recyclable nature makes it ideal for SFE. Moreover, its low cost and easy availability further enhance its appeal as a solvent for this method. SFE can be performed at low temperatures, preserving the biological ac­tivity of heat-sensitive compounds. The ability to reuse the solvent minimizes waste generation, contributing to economic and environmental sustainability [94]. Some of the solvents that can be utilized as supercritical fluids, apart from carbon dioxide, in­clude hydrocarbons such as pentane, butane, and hexane; aromatic solvents like ben­zene and toluene; alcohols (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butyl alcohol); and gases such as ethylene and propane and water [112].
The main drawback of supercritical CO polar or moderately polar substances are easily dissolved by CO
is its low polarity, which limits its use. Non-
2
, a nonpolar mole-
2
cule. As a result, SFE is primarily used for the extraction of nonpolar or moderately polar compounds such as lipids, essential oils, and carotenoids. To overcome this limi­tation, CO
can be combined with polar organic solvents (modifiers) for the extraction
2
of polar compounds. Small amounts of cosolvents such as ethanol or water can be used to enhance the solubility of polar compounds. These cosolvents, being more polar than CO
, increase the polarity of the supercritical mixture, significantly im-
2
proving extraction efficiency [113].
There are three approaches to the implementation of supercritical extraction: static, dynamic, and a combination of both modes. In the static mode, the supercritical solvent is allowed to contact the plant matrix for a specific period. In the dynamic SFE mode, fresh supercritical solvent is continuously introduced over the plant material. Consequently, the flow rate of the supercritical fluid is directly proportional to extrac­tion efficiency. When both modes are combined, the process begins with static extrac-
Chapter 2 Methods of obtaining drugs from medicinal and aromatic plants 81
tion for certain duration, followed by a transition to the dynamic mode. This combina­tion positively influences extraction efficiency [95].
SFE allows for shorter operation times, versatile applications, and safer, greener experiments through the use of a low-viscosity fluid for the extraction of plant-based components. Another key advantage of SFE is its ability to establish a direct online connection with a chromatographic method (e.g., GC, HPLC), enabling the immediate measurement of components after extraction [114].
2.3.3.13 Pressurized liquid extraction
Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), first introduced in 1995 as accelerated solvent ex­traction (ASE), is also referred to by several other names, including pressurized sol­vent extraction, enhanced solvent extraction, and superheated liquid extraction (SHLE). When water is used as the extraction solvent, the technique is known as pres­surized hot water extraction (PHWE) [97].
PLE is an automated and rapid extraction method that utilizes liquid solvents at high temperatures and pressures, enabling more efficient extraction of components from solid and semisolid plant matrices. Increasing temperature and pressure signifi­cantly enhances the extraction performance compared to traditional methods [115]. In this technique, solvents are maintained in a liquid state above their boiling points under high pressure. Using solvents at temperatures above their atmospheric boiling points provides several advantages, including improved solubility, enhanced diffusion, and better mass transfer mechanisms, which facilitate the extraction of target plant components. Additionally, under high temperatures and pressures, the viscosity and surface tension of solvents are reduced, allowing for deeper penetration into the solid matrix. This accelerates solvent penetration and the overall extraction process, thereby increasing the efficiency of bioactive compound extraction from plant materials [116].
PLE can generally be performed in static mode, dynamic mode, or a combination of both modes. In the dynamic mode of the extraction procedure, fresh solvent is con­tinuously pumped through the sample, resulting in a constant shift in equilibrium and an increase in the mass transfer rate. However, its main disadvantages include the requirement for larger solvent volumes and the necessity of a concentration step to dilute the components in the extract before chromatographic analysis of the target compounds. Extraction efficiency in dynamic mode is equal to or higher than in static mode, and the extraction time is generally similar in both modes. However, incorpo­rating a pre-extraction step in static mode before transitioning to dynamic mode can reduce the overall extraction time [117].
Widely used for years, PLE provides numerous benefits compared to traditional extraction methods, such as faster extraction times, lower solvent usage, reduced costs, and the ability to scale the extraction process easily to industrial levels [118].
82 İrem Yıldız Özbaş, Severina Pacifico, and Emre Özbaş
2.3.3.14 Enzyme-assisted extraction
The fundamental principle of enzyme-assisted extraction is the catalytic action of en­zymes to hydrolyze and break down plant cell walls. This process enables the intracel­lular components to be released under optimal experimental conditions. Initially, the plant cell wall binds to the active site of the enzyme. The substrate-enzyme interac­tion between the cell wall and the enzyme induces a conformational change in the enzyme upon binding. This structural alteration in the enzyme leads to the break­down of the bonds within the cell wall, releasing the active components from the plant cells. This method significantly preserves the bioactive potential of the extracted compounds [98].
Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) is particularly necessary for phytochemicals bound within the lignin-polysaccharide network of certain plants. These phytochemi­cals are stabilized by hydrophobic interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, making their separation highly challenging. In such cases, phytochemi­cals are often dispersed in the cytoplasm and cannot be extracted through standard solvent-based methods. To address this issue, specific enzymes are employed. These enzymes hydrolyze structures like cellulose and lipids, facilitating the release of bound phytochemicals. Enzyme treatment is employed as a pretreatment to degrade cell walls, enhancing the extraction efficiency of phytochemicals [76].
EAE is performed using two primary approaches: enzyme-assisted aqueous extrac­tion (EAAE) and enzyme-assisted cold pressing (EACP). EAAE is typically applied for the extraction of oils and other lipophilic components from seeds, while EACP is commonly used to hydrolyze seed cell walls with enzymes, thereby enhancing extraction efficiency [99]. The parameters affecting the EAE procedure are listed in Figure 2.15 [99, 119].
2.3.3.15 Solid-phase microextraction
Solid-phase extraction (SPE) operates on a principle similar to liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), involving the partitioning of dissolved substances between two phases. How­ever, in SPE, one phase is a liquid while the other is a solid (sorbent). The stationary phases used in solid-phase extractions are the same type as those used in liquid chro­matography columns. The stationary phase is housed in a glass or plastic column. Commercial SPE cartridges are designed in the form of injectors, are single-use, and have a capacity of approximately 1–10 mL. Solid-phase extraction is often used as a sample preparation step to clean the sample before performing chromatographic or other analytical methods for determining the quantities of components in the sample [120]. Solid-phase extraction was initially employed as a purification method before HPLC or GC analysis. However, its application has expanded and it is now commonly used for the rapid fractionation of crude plant extracts or for transferring purified