Application Of Ultrasonic Extraction Technology in Chinese Herbal Medicine Industry

Ultrasonic extraction technology is just a purely mechanical extraction method that is able to extract active compounds from plants and medicinal plants and produce high-quality plant extracts. This technology is considered BIO because it eliminates the risk of using non-natural solvents, and is therefore recommended for those who want to make products with "certified organic".

Ultrasonic extraction

Ultrasonic extraction is the preferred technique for isolating bioactive compounds from botanicals. Ultrasonic extraction techniques may help increase the value of certain food by-products as a source of natural compounds. They have a dual effect on the vegetable substrate, greatly reducing extraction time and reducing or destroying bacteria.

01The advantages of ultrasonic extraction

Ultrasonic extraction equipment has many advantages that make it an excellent extraction method. Due to its high yield, high-quality extract, fast process, low investment and operating costs, safe and user-friendly operation, ultrasonic extraction is the preferred method for extraction processes in small-scale and industrial production.

The application of high power ultrasound to liquids and slurries results in strong cavitation and shear forces. In the slurries of leaves, buds, flowers, stems and other plant parts, vegetable cells are disrupted by ultrasonic shear forces and release bioactive compounds. Ultrasonic extraction has been recognized as an efficient and reliable technique for the isolation of bioactive plant compounds. Especially in the production of high-quality Chinese herbal extracts, sonication is convincing for its high yield, excellent quality and fast processing times. The application of ultrasound is a mechanical treatment, non-toxic, safe and environmentally friendly.

02 How it works

Ultrasonic extraction is achieved when high-power, low-frequency ultrasound is coupled into a slurry consisting of plant-based material in a solvent. High power ultrasound is coupled into the slurry through a probe-type ultrasonic processor. High-energy ultrasonic waves propagate through the liquid, creating alternating cycles of high or low pressure, resulting in the phenomenon of acoustic cavitation.

Cavitation

Ultrasonic extraction is based on repeated high and low pressure cycles. The alternating high and low pressure cycles of sonication 20,000 times per second create intense shear forces and liquid jets. This extreme stress can overcome the selectivity of the cell membrane and quickly destroy the cell wall, resulting in high-quality transport between the inner cell and the surrounding solvent. With ultrasonic extraction, higher yields and shorter extraction times can be achieved.

03Application areas

Ultrasonic extraction technology can be applied in different fields such as food production, liqueur, herbal medicine, cosmetic industry, classic homeopathic medicines, veterinary medicine, biochemistry and green chemistry, agriculture, research laboratories, etc. Herbal Extracts, Active Ingredients, Homeopathic Extracts, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics, Herbs, Galen Oils, Liqueurs and Herbs in general.

Antioxidant Extract

Antioxidants are bioactive compounds that scavenge free radicals and are found in plants. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, thiols, etc., are pharmacologically active substances that improve health and treat diseases. Due to its high process efficiency, ultrasonic extraction allows the isolation of antioxidants using a very wide range of raw materials. In addition to plants such as herbs, fruits and vegetables, high-quality antioxidants can also be ultrasonically extracted from low-value or discarded materials such as hulls, stems, seeds, peels, kernels, roots, etc.

Adaptogen extraction

Adaptogens such as tannins are polyphenols, usually astringent molecules, known to increase the stress tolerance of mammalian cells. These molecules are trapped in plant cells. To obtain adaptogens with high bioavailability, molecules must be released from plant material. Ultrasonic cell rupture opens the cell by disrupting the cell wall and increasing mass transfer between the interior of the cell and the surrounding solvent.

04Summary

Ultrasonic extraction has been recognized as a promising and innovative technology with many applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food fields in the 21st century. Ultrasonics with a wide power and frequency range are used for degassing, filtration, homogenization, emulsification, crystallization, enzymatic extraction and oxidation, cutting, cooking, freeze drying, defoaming and inactivation of microorganisms.