Extraction Of Natural Compounds Research Articles

Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) as an innovative pre-treatment for extraction of natural compounds from the brown seaweed Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt 1955 (Ochrophytina, Fucales)

The effects of the Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) technology on the recovery of natural compounds from the brown seaweed Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt 1955 (Ochrophytina, Fucales) were investigated. Fresh biomass of S. muticum was collected on the Brittany Coast, France. Both fresh and Air Impingement-Dried (AID) thalli of 3 and 10 cm length were submitted to DIC during 20 s or 90 s of processing time under 100 or 800 kPa of saturated steam pressure. DIC treatment significantly improved the extraction of sulphate groups at 90 s, and carotene at 20 s under 100 kPa in thalli of 10 cm. While, coupling AID to DIC, the content of neutral sugars, proteins and antioxidants were higher in AID + DIC treatments. Further, a significant increase of 20 % in fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides and 30 % in sodium alginate under 100 kPa during 90 s, compared to oven-dried, was observed. The biomass of the invasive S. muticum treated by DIC and AID + DIC represented a valuable contribution for extraction of natural compounds. Advantages for industrial integration of DIC were discussed.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Natural Compounds from Capuchin (Tropaeolum majus) Leaves and Seeds

This study investigated the supercritical CO2 extraction of oils from capuchin (Tropaeolum majus) seeds (4.34% moisture content) and leaves (5.26% moisture content) and analyzed the effects of varying temperature and pressure conditions. The extraction yields were 3% for the seeds and 2% for the leaves. The seed extracts were rich in oleic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids, whereas the leaf extracts contained a high concentration of octacosanol (73.37%). Kinetic analysis revealed distinct mass transfer mechanisms during extraction, and the Sovová model effectively described the extraction kinetics, showing good agreement with experimental data (ADD% < 4%). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated the impact of temperature and pressure on the yields, with temperature being the most influential factor. The experimental conditions ranged from 22 to 28 MPa and from 313.15 to 333.15 K. This study contributes to the understanding of capuchin oil extraction and its potential applications in various fields, owing to the presence of bioactive compounds.

INFLUENCE OF POPULUS BALZAMIFERA BUDNEY EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CABBAGE

In recent years, there has been a persistent search for new methods and technologies for cultivating individual crops in order to increase their productivity and improve product quality. New methods of pre-sowing seed treatment with biological stimulants are increasingly being introduced, increasing not only crop yields, but also changing (increasingly) the content of important nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, oils, and others). Despite the rapid development of chemistry and the growth in the number of new highly effective drugs of biotechnological and synthetic origin, plants continue to occupy a significant place as a growth stimulator of agricultural crops.
 The aim of the work is to evaluate the effect of poplar extract on the growth and development of white cabbage.
 Tasks: to investigate the qualitative composition of the aqueous extract of poplar buds; to establish the growth-stimulating activity of the extract of balsamic poplar buds in relation to the seeds of white cabbage.
 Methodology and scientific approaches: in the course of the work, experimental studies were carried out on the extraction of natural compounds of balsam poplar buds, evaluating the effectiveness of the balsam poplar bud extract on the growth and development of white cabbage.
 Results and conclusions: in the composition of the aqueous extract of poplar buds, such classes of compounds as flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, saponins, amino acids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides were identified; the use of poplar bud extract had a significant impact on morphogenesis, physiological and biochemical parameters, and the productivity of white cabbage of the "Gift" variety.

Novel Electromagnetic Heat Hydrodistillation for Extraction of Essential Oil from Tangerine Peel.

A novel electromagnetic heat method is presented for green extraction of natural compounds from peel residue. In the processing cavity obtained through 3D printing, a core made of amorphous alloy was applied to strengthen the magnetic flux. During the process, an induced electric field was produced in the extract medium owing to an oscillating magnetic field at 50 kHz rather than a pair of electrodes; thus, electrochemical reactions could be avoided. A thermal effect and temperature rise were observed under the field, and essential oil was obtained via this electromagnetic heat hydrodistillation. In addition, the numerical relationships between magnetic field, induced electric field (IEF), induced current density, and temperature profile were elaborated; they were positively correlated with the extraction yield of essential oils. It was found that the waveforms of the magnetic field, induced electric field, and excitation voltage were not consistent. Using a higher magnetic field resulted in high current densities and terminal temperatures in the extracts, as well as higher essential oil yields. When the magnetic field strength was 1.39 T and the extraction time was 60 min, the maximum yield of essential oil reached 1.88%. Meanwhile, conventional hydrodistillation and ohmic heating hydrodistillation were conducted for the comparison; all treatments had no significant impact on the densities. In addition, the essential oil extracted by electromagnetic heat had the lowest acid value and highest saponification value. The proportion of monoterpenoids and oxygen-containing compounds of essential oil extracted by this proposed method was higher than the other two methods. In the end, the development of this electromagnetic heat originating from magnetic energy has the potential to recover high-value compounds from biomass waste.

Natural deep eutectic solvents-based green extraction of vanillin: optimization, purification, and bioactivity assessment.

The sustainable extraction of natural compounds has recently attracted significant attention. The extraction of high-quality natural vanillin in active form is crucial for its efficient use in various industries, but conventional solvents are not suitable for this purpose. The flammability, volatility, and toxicity of organic solvents can harm extraction personnel, and their waste liquid can cause environmental pollution. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic organic alternative to conventional solvents. In this study, 20 different NADES were tested for the sustainable extraction of natural vanillin. Among these, a DES system composed of choline chloride: 1,4-butanediol: lactic acid exhibited the highest extraction rate (15.9 mg/g). Employing response surface methodology (RSM), optimal extraction conditions were determined, yielding a vanillin content 18.5 mg/g with water content of 33.9%, extraction temperature of 64.6°C, extraction time of 32.3 min, and a solid-liquid ratio of 44.9 mg/mL. Subsequently, the optimized NADES system was then assessed for reusability in extracting vanillin from vanilla pods and kraft lignin over three cycles, retaining 43% of its extraction efficiency and demonstrating potential for waste reduction. Purification of vanillin was achieved through chromatography using a non-polar resin SP700, with ethanol as a desorption eluent and a feed solution pH of 4.0, resulting in the highest vanillin purity. HPLC and GC-MS analyses confirmed purity, while antioxidant activity assays (DPPH and ABTS) showcased significant antioxidant activity of the purified vanillin. Moreover, vanillin exhibited notable antimicrobial activity against a panel of food-borne bacteria. This study introduces an environmentally friendly approach to vanillin extraction highlights using NADES, emphasizing the potential for producing high-quality bioactive vanillin with reduced environmental impact. The applicability of NADES systems extends beyond vanillin, offering a versatile method for extracting diverse natural compounds.

Sequential selective supercritical fluid extraction (S3FE) of triglycerides and flavonolignans from milk thistle (Silybum marianum L, Gaertn)

Supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide is nowadays one of the best approaches on an economic and ecological point of view for the extraction of natural compounds from plants. Besides, many seeds or fruits contain both lipids, as triglycerides, which can be used for food or cosmetic industries, and polyphenols which do have many bioprotective effects for the human health. By using successively pure carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide added with a polar modifier, either pure ethanol or a ethanol/water mixture, we achieved first the extraction of triglycerides of the milk thistle seeds, followed by the extraction of the flavonolignans, which are bioactive compounds. Effects of pressure (15 and 25 MPa) and temperature (40 and 60 °C) were studied on the lipids extraction efficiency. For flavonolignans, the polar compounds, the impact of modifier amount (pure ethanol from 10% to 40%) and water percentage in ethanol (5–15%) were compared. The duration of the two sequential steps to achieve the complete seed defatting and to increase the flavonolignan recovery were also studied. The complete lipids extraction was achieved with pure CO2 at 40 °C, 25 MPa for 30 min whereas the extraction of flavonolignans was achieved with 20% of modifier (wate/ethanol 15/85) during 90 min. The analysis of the triglyceride composition of milk thistle seed were studied by using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), whereas the analysis of flavonolignans was carried out by an improved Ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method.

A Critical Analysis of the Usage of Herbal Products Amidst South Indian Population for the Treatment of Alopecia

ABSTRACT: This article describes herbal remedies and herbal products for alopecia. It mainly states the use of herbal preparations for the treatment of hair loss and also describes their advantages over synthetic products and drugs. As the use of herbal blends have least side effects, maximum efficacy, and are economically and easily prevalent, they can act as naturopathic medicines in treating various types of hair loss. Hair loss can be due to different reasons such as genetic tendency, extreme stress, nutritional deficiency, environmental triggers, exposure to chemicals etc. Hence use of synthetic compounds can show unfavorable outcomes such as scaling, dermatitis, pruritus and other skin related problems and to overcome such effects herbal products which are made by extraction of natural compounds mainly herbs are preferred as they play a role in patient compliance and show more than one mode of action for the treatment of alopecia. The article basically gives the description of various herbal products, remedies and also herbal products with nutrient supplements available with their brand name, manufacturing details along with their cost, indications which can be beneficial to treat hair loss.

Effect of choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents on polyphenols extraction from cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) bean shells and antioxidant activity of extracts

The effective extraction of natural compounds from cocoa bean shells using deep eutectic solvents could contribute to the sustainable valorization of this waste material. The objective of this study was to: (1) analyze the extraction kinetics of polyphenols released from cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) bean shells (CBS) by the solid-liquid extraction method using choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (ChCl-DES) and their aqueous solutions; (2) investigate the effect of choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (ChCl-DES) aqueous solutions on in-vitro antioxidant capacity and the main individual compounds of the extracts. ChCl-DES were prepared with lactic acid, glycerol, and ethylene glycol in a 1:2 ratio. Aqueous solutions (30%, 40%, and 50% water) to obtain solvents with different physicochemical properties were performed. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The solution of Fick's law model for plate geometry particles was applied to fit the experimental data and calculate the effective diffusivity coefficient (De). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was analyzed by a combination of 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The main bioactive compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the type of hydrogen bond donor influences the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and the main individual compounds in the extracts. Moreover, the washing/diffusion mechanism adequately depicts the extraction kinetics data for total phenolic content. However, the influence of an additional mechanism that enhanced the extraction capacity of deep eutectic solvents compared with organic solvent was confirmed.

Continuous Flow Chemistry and its Application in the Extraction of Natural Compounds

Abstract: Continuous flow chemistry refers to the delicate chemical production processes, without interruptions and with the best possible use. It is a practice identified as an opportune for the incorporation of the principles of Green Chemistry into economically favorable industrial processes. The purpose of this work is to verify the efficiency advantage and lower the wastage of time and materials that continuous flow extraction can bring to industries, compared to the conventional methods, such as the batch method, for bioactive compound extraction. Herein, a systematic literature review of the available research was made, and the data were collected from articles in different languages (in Portuguese, Spanish, and English), dissertations, and theses, including the Web of Science database. By collecting, analyzing, and comparing publications in which tests using different methodologies for extracting compounds were conducted, we obtained results with the acquisition of extensive information about reactors and machinery that make extraction through continuous flow chemistry viable on a laboratory scale. We observed the expansion of the exothermic synthetic step options that are not possible in batch reactors. Continuous flow chemistry proves to be very advantageous compared to other conventional methods owing to several factors, such as environmental and economical, especially because it facilitates the reuse of waste materials in industrial processes. It not only allows a relatively fast and efficient extraction but also proves to be less aggressive to the environment.

The Effect of 1.74 and 2.3 GHz Microwave Exposure of Ailanthus Altissima Leaf Extracts on their Antioxidant Content and Activity

Microwave (MW) irradiation in reactors with input power levels of 200-1000 W has been frequently applied for the extraction of natural compounds from vegetal material. The aim of the present research was to investigate the effect of much lower MW input powers (< 12 W) delivered through antennas into shielded enclosures on mixtures of ethanol solution-Ailanthus altissima leaves (frozen and oven-dried), at different frequencies (1.74 and 2.3 GHz) and exposure times (0.5, 1 and 3 h). The phenolic content and antioxidant activity were quantified after the exposures. Significant differences between the antioxidant content/ activity and the type of raw material were found, in favour of frozen samples. After MW treatment, the bioactive content and activity increased in frozen Ailanthus leaf extracts compared to control. No significant effect was observed in case of extracts prepared from oven-dried samples at 60°C. The ATR-FTIR analysis indicates no significant structural changes after the irradiation. These results revealed a better extractability of phenolic compounds following MW exposure in particular at 2.3 GHz.

In vitro Assessment of sun protection factor (SPF) and Antioxidant activity of Viola odorata extracts

The harmful effects of sunlight on the skin have triggered several studies. They concentrated on the synthesis or extraction of natural compounds that can absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In this study, we investigated the in vitro photo-protective potential of Viola odorata flowers extracts, in three states (fresh, dried, frozen), using three solvents (chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol) by sequential extraction. In vitro SPF values were determined by spectrophotometric method. Antioxidant activity was tested by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu method. The ethanolic extract fraction, at the concentration of 2 mg/ml, from the three flowers states had the best SPF values (27.249, 26.978, 27.907) respectively, followed by ethyl acetate extract fraction of dried flowers (SPF=21.11). The highest DPPH inhibition (about 85%) was also obtained in ethanolic extract fraction from the three states of flowers. The ethanolic extract fraction of fresh flowers showed the highest total phenolic content (18.575 mg GAE/g crud extract), followed by ethanolic extract fraction of dried flowers (15.06 mg GAE/g crud extract). There was a significant positive correlation between SPF values and each of antioxidant activity (R=0.92) and TPC (R=0.748) in the different extract fractions. Our results showed that ethnolic Viola odorata flowers extract, in different states, has a great potential to be used as a sunscreen agent due to its polyphenol content, which is also associated with strong antioxidant activity.

Phytochemical composition of Avicennia marina leaf extract, its antioxidant, antimicrobial potentials and inhibitory properties on Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilm

Mangroves are widely used for the extraction of natural compounds for the purpose to be used in traditional medicine and the pharmaceutical sector. In this study, Avicennia marina leaves (gathered in Safaga, Red Sea, Egypt) were dried and extracted by ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate. The antimicrobial activity of the three organic extracts was examined against different fish and human pathogens. The mangrove ethyl acetate extract (MEE) which gave the highest antimicrobial activity was further evaluated, as it exhibited a promising antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH test with IC50 of 50.3 µg/ml. Its total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined to be 109 and 23 mg/g, respectively. In addition, MEE antibiofilm activity was assessed by total biomass quantification using microplate assay and observed under light microscope. MEE showed a highly promising antibiofilm activity, where it succeeded not only in preventing initial cell attachment and biofilm formation by the fish pathogen Pseudomonas fluorescens, but also in disrupting the preformed biofilm with IC50 of 42.0 and 45.8 mg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, its chemical composition was determined by GC–MS analysis demonstrating that its major constituents are alcohol, fatty acids and their derivatives. Overall, the current study confirms the promising antimicrobial, antioxidant activities of MEE and reports biofilm inhibition and eradication activities of A. marina ethyl acetate extract against Pseudomonas fluorescens.

Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Coupled with HPLC-UV for Simultaneous Extraction, Purification and Determination of Six Lignans in Schisandra chinensis Fruits.

An efficient method for simultaneous extraction, purification and determination of six lignans in Schisandra chinensis Baill was developed by employing matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction followed by HPLC-UV determination analysis. Several sorbent and desorption solvent that affected the extraction yield of lignans were investigated; neutral alumina and absolute ethanol were selected as the best dispersing material and desorption agent, respectively. Other extraction conditions for MSPD were optimized as follows: 1:2 of S. chinensis raw material to neutral aluminum oxide mass ratio, 1:30 (g/mL) of sample to absolute ethanol, 2.5h of desorption time and 50°C of desorption temperature. Under the above conditions, the total extraction yield for six lignans have reached (16.99±0.33) x 103 mg/kg with a higher content of 6.88±0.25% in the extracts. Comparative studies were explored by conducting other six extraction approaches including Soxhlet extraction, heat reflux extraction, smashing tissue extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction and ultrasonic-microwave synergistic extraction. Results showed MSPD technique not only improved the extraction yield, but also improved the purity of lignans, it can be generalized to more extraction of natural compounds. In addition, the validated HPLC-UV method had been successfully applied to analysis of lignans from 10 real S. chinensis samples.

Extracting flavonoid from Ginkgo biloba using lignocellulolytic bacteria Paenarthrobacter sp. and optimized via response surface methodology

AbstractGinkgo biloba flavonoids are important natural bioactive compounds with strong physiological effects. To develop an eco‐friendly and effective method for extracting flavonoids from plants, a microbial method involving lignocellulose‐degrading bacterial enzymes was developed to improve flavonoid extraction from Ginkgo biloba leaves. In this study, a newly isolated bacterial strain, Paenarthrobacter sp. S1.3, was employed for the fermentation processing of Ginkgo biloba leaf powder. The enzymatic characteristics of xylanase, CMCase, polygalacturonase, and β‐glucosidase from Paenarthrobacter sp. S1.3 were also investigated. The major fermentation parameters for the microbial extraction of Ginkgo biloba flavonoids were optimized using response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions (30.6 °C, initial pH 7.6, and fermentation time 25 h), a total flavonoid yield of 34.15 ± 0.52 mg g−1 dry weight was obtained, which was 2.11 fold and 1.42 fold higher than the yields obtained from the unfermented and ethanol extraction methods, respectively. The optimized results also suggest that the polygalacturonase and β‐glucosidase might play an important role in flavonoid extraction. Fermentation utilizing lignocellulose‐degrading bacteria was a feasible green approach to improve the extraction of natural compounds from plants. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd

Combined ionic liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide based dynamic extraction of six cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L.

The potential of supercritical CO2 and ionic liquids (ILs) as alternatives to traditional extraction of natural compounds from plant material is of increasing importance. Both techniques offer several advantages over conventional extraction methods. These two alternatives have been separately employed on numerous ocassions, however, until now, they have never been combined for the extraction of secondary metabolites from natural sources, despite properties that complement each other perfectly. Herein, we present the first application of an IL-based dynamic supercritical CO2 extraction of six cannabinoids (CBD, CBDA, Δ9-THC, THCA, CBG and CBGA) from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Various process parameters were optimized, i.e., IL-based pre-treatment time and pre-treatment temperature, as well as pressure and temperature during supercritical fluid extraction. In addition, the impact of different ILs on cannabinoid extraction yield was evaluated, namely, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, choline acetate and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dimethylphosphate. This novel technique exhibits a synergistic effect that allows the solvent-free acquisition of cannabinoids from industrial hemp, avoiding further processing steps and the additional use of resources. The newly developed IL-based supercritical CO2 extraction results in high yields of the investigated cannabinoids, thus, demonstrating an effective and reliable alternative to established extraction methods. Ultimately, the ILs can be recycled to reduce costs and to improve the sustainability of the developed extraction process.

Radical scavenging and antioxidant features of nano-pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel powder extracts

The replacement of synthetic antioxidants with natural antioxidants from agricultural waste has become a global interest due to their adverse effects on human health. Nanotechnology can facilitate the extraction of natural compounds. In this study, the preparation and characterization of nano-pomegranate peel powder fractions and their extracts were described. The nano-fractions (NPP45 and NPP90) were prepared by ultrafine grinding of the crude pomegranate peel powder (CPP) for 45 and 90 min. Extracts using different solvents were subjected to determine total phenolics (μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ml extract), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (RSA), reducing power (RP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Polynomial quadratic regression was employed to calculate the predicted optimal RSA and FRAP and protective factor (PF) values. The mean particle size of NPP45 and NPP90 were 373 and 125nm, respectively. NPP90 methanolic extract had the highest phenolics content of 1.54 ± 0.04 μg GAE/ml compared to the methanolic CPP extract that contained 1.18 ± 0.03 μg GAE/ml with a 30.5% increase. The RSA, PF, RP and FRAP values were 94.1 ± 0.2%, 2.6, 0.76 ± 0.03 and 0.76 ± 0.03, respectively for the NPP90 methanolic extract. NPP90 methanolic extract reflected antiradical and antioxidant efficiency which was comparable with the efficiency of BHT (153.1 ppm). The results from the study showed potential replacement for BHT as a synthetic antioxidant with the natural NPP90 phenolics. This is the first time that an attempt has been done towards the extraction of phenolic compounds from pomegranate peels using nanotechnology.

EFFECT OF PRESSURE LIQUID EXTRACTION AND ULTRASONIC IRRADIATION FREQUENCY ON INULIN, PHENOLIC CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN BURDOCK (Arctium lappa L.) ROOTS

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) roots are traditionally used in folk medicine as diuretic and curing rheumatism, gastritis, gout, throat pain, arthritis and rashes. These pharmacological properties are due to many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and fructooligosaccharides. Nowadays, the the application of “green” methods for extraction of natural compounds gains more and more attention. The object of the current research was to determine inulin and sugars content, phenolic content and antioxidant potential in 70% ethanol and water extracts obtained by two “green“ extraction methods, namely pressure-liquid extraction and ultrasound-assisted techniques. The content of total fructans, as well as inulin and sugars were analyzed by spectrophotometric resorcinol-thiourea method and high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection. Total phenols and flavonoids were determined by Folin-Chiocalteu and Al(NO3)3 reagents. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by four reliable methods (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC). The established inulin content varied from 0.27 to 4.0 g/100 g dw in prevalence of the ultrasound-assisted extract obtained with water. Additionally, the established phenolic compounds content (from 10.35 to 18.16 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dw) and antioxidant activities demonstrated the burdock roots as potential source phytonutrients with health beneficial properties.

Mechanochemical-assisted extraction of platycodin D from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum with solid alkalis

Mechanochemistry is an interdisciplinary science, which refers to chemical and physicochemical reactions generated by the input of high mechanical energy. The mechanochemical pretreatment with solid alkalis was for the first time successfully used prior to water extraction of platycodin D from roots of Platycodon grandiflorum. The factors affecting the efficiency of mechanochemical-assisted extraction were the solid alkaline reagent type, reagent/material ratio, grinding time, extraction time, material/water ratio and acidification pH value. The highest yield of platycodin D via mechanochemical-assisted extraction (7.16 ± 0.14 mg/g) was obtained by grinding samples with NaOH according to 5 % reagent/material ratio for 5 min in a planetary ball mill, extracting with water at room temperature for 20 min, 1: 30 g/mL material/water ratio and acidification pH 3.5. Compared with superfine grinding extraction (3.26 ± 0.12 mg/g) and Soxhlet extraction (4.18 ± 0.11 mg/g), mechanochemical-assisted extraction reduced both extraction time and temperature, and achieved a higher yield of platycodin D. Furthermore, it used water as solvent, which is more environmental friendly and cheaper. The results indicated that mechanochemical-assisted extraction could be an effective method for extraction of natural compounds.

Biometric characteristics of fruits, seeds and plants of Hancornia speciosa Gomes. (Apocynaceae)

The economic and scientific interest in Hancornia speciosa Gomes (mangabeira) has increased in recent years, especially due to the commercialization of its fruits and the extraction of natural compounds with high pharmacological potential. This paper aims to determine and correlate the main physical and biometric characteristics of fruits and seeds of mangaba tree, as well as identifying the most appropriate substrate for the seedling emergence test. The following physical and biometric traits were measured in 100 fruits and 100 seeds: longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, thickness, fresh mass, pulp fresh mass, volume, number of seeds. To identify the best substrate, a completely randomized design with two treatments (substrates) and ten replications of 20 seeds was used. The evaluated substrates were: sand and commercial substrate (Plantmax HT®). The shoot height, root length, stem diameter, total dry mass, and the relation between shoot height and stem diameter were evaluated at 50 days after sowing. Mangaba fruits and seeds showed great variations in their biometric traits, in addition to significant and positive correlation predominant in most characteristics. High fruit pulp yield can be optimized with the selection of plants with fruits show greater fresh mass due to the high degree of association between this characteristic and pulp yield. The use of the commercial substrate resulted in higher shoot height, greater number of leaves, and higher shoot height/stem diameter ratio.

A Novelty System for Biotization of Plant Microshoots and Collection of Natural Compounds

An in vitro plant microshoot culture system composed of two phases; a liquid phase overlaid by a floating solid phase, which is described in detail herein. This system is designed to enable the extraction of natural compounds released/disseminated into the liquid phase during root growth, thus facilitating their processing and biochemical characterization. The solid phase holds the plant afloat and enables the simultaneous culture of a microorganism, yet avoiding its penetration into the liquid phase, where the roots are submerged. Both phases can be independently formulated as required for growth optimization of both organisms. Considering the closed system and known variables described in this patent, applications of the described method include testing with pesticides, herbicides, and other similar products.