Extraction and concentration of anthraquinones from roots of Morinda Citrifolia by non-ionic surfactant solution

Abstract

The study investigated the use of micelle-mediated extraction (MME) of anthraquinones from the root of Morinda citrifolia and cloud point concentration (CPC) of the extract as effective alternatives for extraction and concentration of the product without using toxic organic solvent. Micelle-mediated extractions (MME) were carried out at ambient pressure and temperature using two types of surfactants: Triton X-100 and Genapol X-080 to determine the effect of concentrations on the percent antraquinones extracted. In addition, micelle mediated pressurized hot water extraction (MMPHWE) was investigated in a continuous flow system at a constant flow rate of 4 ml/min surfactant solutions at the concentration between 1 and 5% v/v. The extract from the most suitable MMPHWE, with 1% Triton X-100 solution at 80 [degree celcius], was then concentrated using CPC and the effect of surfactant concentration, the incubation time and temperature was determined on the concentration efficiency. For CPC, the most suitable condition was at 75 [degree celcius] and the incubation time was 30 min using Triton X-100 at 1% v/v (surfactant/the extract). The extract obtained by MMPHWE followed by CMC was analyzed with HPLC to quantify the amount of the most medicinally anti-cancer compound, damnacanthal and the result showed that of the compound degradation was reduced as the temperature required for extraction was lower compared with pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) without use of surfactant. In addition, the amount of energy required for extraction and concentration could be greatly reduced.