Voikukan uuttaminen – Tehokkaat tinktuurat, joissa on sonikaatio

Ultrasonic extraction of dandelion plant parts is a highly efficient and effective method to obtain bioactive compounds under mild extraction conditions – yielding a high-quality extracts and tinctures. Learn how to apply ultrasonication to maximize extraction yields while preserving the integrity of the valuable phytochemicals found in dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots.

Dandelion Tinctures produced by Sonication

Ultrasonic extraction of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) offers numerous advantages over traditional extraction methods, particularly in terms of efficiency, yield, and preservation of bioactive compounds. The process involves using low-frequency, high-intensity ultrasound waves to disrupt plant cells, facilitating the release of intracellular contents into the solvent. Thereby, sonication intensifies and accelerates the preparation of potent dandelion tinctures. For ultrasonic dandelion tinctures, you can use all parts of the dandelion (taraxacum officinale) plant:

• the roots
• the leaves
• the flowers.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ultrasonic Dandelion Extraction

Below, we walk you through the extraction from each dandelion plant part separately. As each part has different benefits, you can focus on flowers, leaves or roots or make a broad-spectrum extract combining all plant parts of dandelion. But of course, you can put roots, flowers and leaves all together into one beaker and do the extraction from all dandelion parts at the same time.
 

Materials Needed:

1. Fresh or dried dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots
2. Probe-type sonicator, e.g. UP200Ht with S26d14 sonotrode
3. Solvent (e.g., ethanol, water, or a mixture)
4. Glass beaker
5. Filtration setup (e.g., filter paper, funnel)
6. For concentrated extracts: Rotary evaporator or vacuum evaporator (optional, for solvent removal)
7. Analytical balance for weighing the ingredients
8. Ice water bath for temperature control

Preparation of the Dandelion Plant:

• Forage for wild dandelion in an area, where the plant is not polluted by traffic or industrial exhaust. Or buy preferably organically grown dandelion.
• Wash your plants well to remove all dirt, bugs, etc. Scrub roots carefully with a sponge or a vegetable brush to remove of all dirt.
• Pat gently dry with a towel.
• Chop the plant parts into small pieces (approx. 5-10mm particles). This enhances the extraction efficiency significantly.

 
Use the Solvent of Your Choice:
Choose a solvent appropriate for the target compounds and your extract or tincture. Ethanol-water mixtures are commonly used due to their effectiveness and low toxicity. For an alcohol-free tincture, replace the aqueous ethanol with vinegar (e.g. apple cider vinegar), food-grade glycerine or even use just purified water.
For leaves and flowers, 50% aqueous ethanol (50:50 v/v) is a commonly used solvent that dissolves the bioactive compounds found in dandelion leaves and flowers.
For dandelion roots, 70% aqueous ethanol (30:70 v/v water:ethanol) is often used as the bioactive compounds in dandelion roots dissolve better in a more nonpolar solvent.
Target compounds in dandelion leaves: Flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals.
Target compounds in dandelion flowers: Polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants.
Target compounds in dandelion leaves: Inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, and taraxasterol.
 
Dandelion Leave Extraction using a Probe-Type Sonicator

In this recipe for dandelion leaf extraction, we use 25 gr fresh dandelion leaves per 200mL aqueous ethanol.

1. Place the plant material in the glass beaker and add the solvent. Ensure the material is fully submerged.
2. Set the UP200Ht to 100% amplitude and 100% cycle.
3. Insert the ultrasonic probe into the beaker containing the plant material and solvent. Position the probe to ensure it is submerged but not touching the beaker walls or bottom.
4. Use the pluggable temperature sensor PT100 (supplied with the sonicator) to monitor the temperature. Maintain it below 40°C using an ice water bath to prevent thermal degradation of compounds.
5. Sonicate the mixture for approx. 5 min. Move the sonotrode slowly through the mixture to ensure that all plant parts are exposed to the ultrasound waves.

 
Filtration:
After sonication, filter the mixture through filter paper to separate the liquid extract from the plant residues.
 
Solvent Removal (optional):
If necessary, concentrate the extract by removing the solvent using a rotary evaporator or vacuum evaporator.
 
Storage:
Store the extract in a dark glass bottle at a low temperature to preserve its bioactive compounds.
 

Find the Best Sonicator for Botanical Extraction

Hielscher Ultrasonics offers a wide range of probe-type sonicators for small to large scale botanical extraction. If you select a sonicator for your extraction project, you might consider the following factors as they will impact the outcome of your extraction results.

1. Versatile Applications:
   Hielscher ultrasonicators are suitable for various extraction processes, including the isolation of essential oils, bioactive compounds, and pigments from plants. This versatility makes them invaluable in the fields of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries.
2. Probe-Type vs Bath Sonicator:
   Probe-type sonicators outcompete bath sonicators for extraction due to several critical factors related to their design, functionality, and efficiency. Understanding these advantages provides insights into why probe-type sonicators are preferred for high-performance and large-scale extraction processes. Read more here!
3. High Efficiency:
   Choose the suitable sonicator and sonotrode to optimize the extraction efficiency. Ultrasonic extraction enhances the yield and quality of botanical extracts by efficiently breaking down plant cell walls, facilitating the release of intracellular compounds. This method is faster and often more effective than traditional extraction techniques.
4. Process Control:
   Features such as adjustable amplitude, temperature control, continuous + pulsed operation mode, and automatic data protocolling provide precise control over the extraction process, ensuring reproducibility and optimal results.
5. Skaalautuvuus:
   The product line ranges from compact, handheld units ideal for small-scale research and pilot studies, to powerful, industrial-grade systems capable of processing large volumes of plant material. This scalability ensures seamless transition from R&D to full-scale production.

 
Our well-trained, long-time experienced technical staff will be glad to consult you regarding the most suitable sonicator fulfilling your botanical extraction needs! Contact us now! We are glad to support you!
 

Suunnittelu, valmistus ja konsultointi – Laatu valmistettu Saksassa

Hielscher-ultraääniastiat ovat tunnettuja korkeimmista laatu- ja suunnittelustandardeistaan. Kestävyys ja helppokäyttöisyys mahdollistavat ultraäänilaitteidemme sujuvan integroinnin teollisuuslaitoksiin. Hielscher-ultraäänilaitteet käsittelevät helposti karkeita olosuhteita ja vaativia ympäristöjä.

Hielscher Ultrasonics on ISO-sertifioitu yritys ja painottaa erityisesti korkean suorituskyvyn ultraäänilaitteita, joissa on huipputeknologia ja käyttäjäystävällisyys. Tietenkin, Hielscher-ultraäänilaitteet ovat CE-yhteensopivia ja täyttävät UL: n, CSA: n ja RoHs: n vaatimukset.

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