Extraction of Kaempferitrin and Astragalin from Justicia Spicigera by Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Its Comparison with Conventional Extraction

Abstract

A study of supercritical fluid CO₂ extraction of kaempferitrin (KM) and astragalin (KG) from Justicia spicigera (muicle) was conducted. A 3³ Box-Behnken design was used to analyze the effects of pressure (200-300 bar), temperature (40-60° C), and co-solvent flow rate (0.5-1.0 mL/min). The highest KM and KG concentration were achieved at a pressure of 300 bar, a temperature of 60° C, and co-solvent flow rate of 1.0 mL/min (ethanol 99.5 %), with a constant CO₂ flow rate of 5 mL/min and extraction time of 180 min. Under these conditions, the experimental values for KM and KG (115.08±2.81 and 56.63±9.02 mg/100 g of dry powder, respectively) were similar to those calculated by the models (109.0 and 44.07 mg/100 g of dry powder, respectively). The use of 70 % ethanol as co-solvent in the supercritical extraction process considerably improved the yields of KM and KG (562.71±156.85 and 79.90±18.03 mg/100 g of dry powder, respectively) compared to the 99.5 % ethanol extractions. The conventional extraction showed the highest yields of KM and KG (574.20±65.10 and 113.10±15.06 mg/100 g of dry powder, respectively) at 70° C and extraction time of 120 min. Adequate yields were achieved of KM and KG by supercritical fluid extraction compared with conventional extraction (98 and 70 %, respectively); therefore supercritical fluid extract of J. spicigera could be used in the development of functional foods, as well as its possible use in traditional medicine by the health professionals.