Efficient extraction of caffeic acid derivatives from adventitious roots of Echinacea purpurea

Abstract

<I>Echinacea</I> species are popular herbal medicine and food supplements for enhancing the immune system. This study was conducted with the aim of developing an efficient heat reflux extraction of caffeic acid derivatives from dried adventitious roots of <I>Echinacea purpurea</I> obtained in bioreactor cultures. Water, methanol (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%), and ethanol (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) were used as solvents for the extraction of caffeic acid derivatives. Another parameter used for the optimisation was the solvent temperature during extraction. The treatment of samples with 60% ethanol at 60°C for 2 h proved to be the most suitable procedure. This treatment was also responsible for the higher yields of total phenolics, flavonoids, and polysaccharides.