Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Elecampagne (Inula helenium, Radix Inulae)

Abstract

In this study, we had developed a method of ultrasound assisted extraction from Elecampane in order to obtain, identify and the dosing the main bioactive compounds from plant, such as: alantolactone and isoalantolactone, inulin etc. Aqueous/hydroalcoholic extraction assisted by ultrasound, was used in order to obtain plant extracts rich in bioactive compounds, in order to ensure the highest possible extraction yield (exhausting the plant). In the process of extracting bioactive compounds from plant, the acoustic energy of the ultrasound is not absorbed by the molecules and, as such, has an effect of breaking the cell walls and improving the mass transfer. Ultrasound are transmitted in the reaction medium in the form of pressure waves that induce vibrational movements of the molecules, thus the molecular structure of the medium, alternately, it compresses and expands, as a result of a pressure, that varies over time. When the ultrasound intensity is high enough, the expansion cycle can create bubbles or cavities. Cavitation is the process by which bubbles form, grow and undergo implosion. Ultrasound allows the solvent to penetrate the cell walls, and the bubbles produced by the acoustic cavitation favor the breaking of the cell wall and the release of the active compounds, increasing the reaction yield. A high content from these compounds, make the plant to be used in the treatment of different respiratory diseases (asthma, cold, flu), indigestion, intestinal parasites etc. Recent studies had shown that the extracts from dried root of Elecampane have antitumor and antimicrobial effect and also detox and anti-inflammatory action.