This work focuses on the selection and the optimization of an efficient green-extraction method, used to recover a thymol-enriched extract from thyme (Thymus vulgaris L), as well as the evaluation of the inhibitory effect of this latter on the human platelet aggregation. Different innovative extraction techniques, namely bead milling extraction, ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction, were tested for their ability to recover a high added value extract from thyme. Among all tested eco-extraction techniques, microwave extraction (MAE) was the best method in term of its extraction yield (20.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA total of eight extraction techniques ranging from conventional methods (hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), turbohydrodistillation (THD)), through innovative techniques (ultrasound assisted extraction (US-SD) and finishing with microwave assisted extraction techniques such as In situ microwave-generated hydrodistillation (ISMH), microwave steam distillation (MSD), microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG), and microwave steam diffusion (MSDf)) were used to extract essential oil from lavandin flowers and their results were compared. Extraction time, yield, essential oil composition and sensorial analysis were considered as the principal terms of comparison. The essential oils extracted using the more innovative processes were quantitatively (yield) and qualitatively (aromatic profile) similar to those obtained from the conventional techniques.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe grape juice by-product obtained from grape traditional press was extracted by Microwave Hydrodiffusion and Gravity (MHG); a green extraction technique preliminarily optimized at 1 W/g. The MHG extract (MHGE) was analyzed by HPLC for identification and quantification of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds. Then, MHGE was added to the natural juice (NJ) to produce an innovative grape juice (IJ).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVegetal extracts are widely used as primary ingredients for various products from creams to perfumes in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutic and cosmetic industries. Having concentrated and active extract is essential, as the process must extract as much soluble material as possible in a minimum time, using the least possible volume of solvent. The boldo leaves extract is of great interest for the industry as it holds a great anti-oxidant activity due to high levels of flavonoids and alkaloids such as boldine.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOne of the principal objectives of sustainable and green processing development remains the dissemination and teaching of green chemistry in colleges, high schools, and academic laboratories. This paper describes simple glassware that illustrates the phenomenon of extraction in a conventional microwave oven as energy source and a process for green analytical chemistry. Simple glassware comprising a Dean-Stark apparatus (for extraction of aromatic plant material and recovery of essential oils and distilled water) and a Vigreux column (as an air-cooled condenser inside the microwave oven) was designed as an in-situ extraction vessel inside a microwave oven.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF