PROCESS OF EXTRACTION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USING MICROWAVE METHODS

ABSTRACT

The article discusses non-traditional methods of extracting biologically active substances from coniferous plants, particularly the potential for improving extraction efficiency through microwave treatment. The study analyzes the process of isolating phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants from samples of Juniperus virginiana (Virginia juniper). The extraction carried out using this method resulted in an extract with better preservation of active compounds.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В статье рассматриваются методы экстракции биологически активных веществ из хвойных растений, в частности, возможность повышения эффективности экстракции с помощью микроволнового воздействия. В исследовании анализируется процесс выделения фенольных соединений, флавоноидов и антиоксидантов из образцов виргинского можжевельника (Juniperus virginiana). В результате экстракции, проведенной с использованием этого метода, был получен экстракт с лучшим сохранением активных соединений.

Keywords: coniferous plants, extraction, microwave treatment, bioactive substances.

Ключевые слова: хвойные растения, экстракция, микроволновое воздействие, биоактивные вещества.

INTRODUCTION

As the concept of green construction is becoming increasingly relevant in Uzbekistan, coniferous trees are gradually becoming an integral part of this process. Their elegant appearance and unique aesthetic expressiveness make them an important element of urban landscaping, while also contributing to the improvement of environmental quality. The greenery of coniferous trees embodies the beauty of nature and helps create a comfortable microclimate in urban areas [1].

Another unique feature of such trees is their ability to release phytoncides. These natural volatile substances have air-purifying properties and help eliminate bacteria and harmful microorganisms. Therefore, conifers are valuable in the urban environment not only as decorative elements but also as natural "air filters."

Coniferous plants contain a large number of biologically active substances that are widely used in medicine, cosmetology, and pharmaceuticals. Juniperus virginiana (Virginia juniper) is one such plant, and its needles, bark, and essential oils are beneficial in treating various diseases. The highest concentration of active substances in coniferous trees is typically found in their leaves (needles). The needles of coniferous plants can contain up to 40% extractive substances by weight. The level of active substance extraction depends on the age of the plant, climate conditions, and the method of extraction used [2, 3]. Traditional extraction of active compounds from plants typically requires a long time and a large amount of solvent.

This article examines extraction technology for isolating active substances from coniferous plants. It analyzes the possibilities of accelerating and improving the efficiency of the extraction process using microwave treatment [4].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extraction is the process of isolating active substances from plants using a solvent. The extraction process includes the following stages:

1. Sample Preparation:

Collecting coniferous plant material and drying it.

Grinding the dried leaves into a fine powder.

Preparing the powdered sample for extraction.

2. Extraction Process:

a. Ultrasonic Extraction:

Mixing the ground sample with ethanol or water (e.g., in a 1:5 or 1:10 ratio).

Placing the mixture in an ultrasonic extractor and extracting for 20–30 minutes.

Maintaining the temperature at 40–50°C.

b. Microwave-Assisted Extraction:

Mixing the ground sample with ethanol or water.

Placing the mixture in a microwave extractor and extracting for 5–10 minutes.

Adjusting power and temperature (e.g., 100–200 W and 60–80°C).

3. Filtration and Purification:

Filtering the extract to separate solid residues.

Washing the filtrate with distilled water for purification.

4. Concentration and Drying:

Concentrating the extract using a rotary evaporator through evaporation.

Drying the concentrated extract (e.g., using a vacuum drying unit).

5. Analysis:

a. UV-Vis Spectrophotometry:

Measuring the concentration of substances in the extract.

b. HPLC or GC-MS:

Identifying and quantifying the bioactive compounds in the extract.

Advantages of Alcohol Extraction:

Alcohol, as an organic solvent, efficiently isolates bioactive substances.

Compared to aqueous methods, it ensures higher biological activity in the extract.

Alcohol has antimicrobial properties, which extend the shelf life of the extract.

Below is the extraction technology process for coniferous plants.

Figure 1. Laboratory process of extracting coniferous plants based on the application of non-conventional treatment methods

1 – Raw material inlet nozzle, 2 – Absorbent inlet nozzle, 3 – Stirrer, 4 – Microwave extractor 5 – Wave-emitting device, 6 – Filter, 7 – Residue outlet nozzle, 8 – Vessel (container), 9 – Filter 10, 14, 15, 16 – Valve (tap), 11 – Fractionating vessel, 12 – Semi-finished product collection vessel, 13 – Absorbent

Calculation of extraction efficiency [5]

Results and Discussion

The extraction carried out using this method resulted in an extract with better preservation of active compounds.

As shown in Fig. 1 the extraction of flavonoids (a) and total phenolic acids (PA) (b) increased with temperature and reached their maximum values at optimum temperature, and subsequently decreased at higher temperatures.

(a)

(b)

Figure 2. The effect of the microwave temperature extraction on the purity of active components

A dark green extract with medium viscosity was obtained. When applied to the skin, the extract was quickly absorbed and had a strong aroma.

These results demonstrated that the combination of alcoholic extraction and microwave distillation yields high efficiency.

Conclusion

This study explored non-conventional extraction methods for isolating biologically active compounds from coniferous plants, specifically focusing on microwave-assisted extraction.

The obtained results showed that the use of microwave treatment and alcoholic solvents accelerates the extraction process and increases the yield of bioactive compounds.

The combination of microwave and alcohol-based extraction can be a promising technology for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. This paves the way for the broader application of coniferous plant extracts in the fields of medicine and environmental science.

References:

1. State Committee of Forestry of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2021). Coniferous Trees and Their Ecological Importance. Journal of Ecology and Forestry, pp. 45–58.
2. Djuraev, K., Yodgorova, M., Usmonov, A., & Mizomov, M. (2021, September). Experimental study of the extraction process of coniferous plants. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 839, No. 4, p. 042019). IOP Publishing .
3. Yodgorova M.O. (2022). DETERMINATION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES BY MODERN METHODS. The American Journal of Engineering oath Technology , 4 (02), 5-8.
4. Veggi P. C., Martinez J., Meireles M. A. A. Fundamentals of microwave extraction //Microwave-assisted extraction for bioactive compounds: theory and practice. – Boston, MA : Springer US, 2012. – С. 15-52.
5. Martens R. Estimation of ATP in soil: extraction methods and calculation of extraction efficiency //Soil Biology and Biochemistry. – 2001. – Т. 33. – №. 7-8. – С. 973-982.