Ultrasonic Extraction of Ayurvedic Herbs
Herbs and spices contain many bioactive compounds, which are used as remedy and therypeutics in Ayurveda practices. Ultrasonication is a superior extraction technique to produce high-quality extracts. The advantages of ultrasonic extraction are very high yields, rapid extraction and a mild, non-thermal treatment, which yields in undamaged bioactive compounds.
Why Ultrasonic Extraction?
Ultrasonic extraction is a mild, non-thermal technique, which is based on cavitation. Hielscher sonicators allow the precise control over all sonication parameters (such as amplitude, temperature, pressure, intensity). This ensures that the extracted compounds are not degraded during the extraction process, which is crucial for the extraction and preparation of medicinal tinctures.
Ultrasonically released biochemicals are of high-quality and show extraordinary bioavailability. Ultrasonically assisted extraction increases yield and reduces extraction time. Other important advantages are the low process temperatures (i.e. 20℃, which is significantly lower than at traditional extraction) and the use of green solvents (i.e. water, ethanol).
Nano-formulated Phytochemicals in Ayurvedic Products
For best bioavailability, herbal phyto-compounds must be present in molecular size to be delivered into the human cells. Phytosomes (pharmacosomes) are pharmacological phospholipid complexes in which the bioactive sunstances of the herb are incorporated. Phytosomes can be formulated as suspensions, liposomes, emulsions, aqueous micro-/nano-dispersions, creams, lotions, gels, pills, capsules, powders, granules or tablets. With the ultrasonic extraction and formulation technology, the ideal preparation of highly bioavailable substances can be easily implemented into the production.
For herbs such milk thistle, ginkgo biloba, grape seed, green tea, hawthorn, and ginseng, the nano dosage in form of polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, nanospheres, nanocapsules, solid-lipid nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions is already scientifically proven to be significantly more effective.
- High quality
- High yield
- Fast extraction
- Mild, non-thermal
- Increased stability
- Standardized process
- Safe
- Easy to operate
- CIP / SIP
Ultrasonic Preparation of Ayurvedic Tonics
In Ayurveda and Asian medicine, herbs are mostly used in combination of multiple plant concoctions, which are standardized but individualizable formulas. Such formulations of ayurvedic herbs and spices are often combined into a concentrated tonic or aroma oil in order to achieve a highly effective medicine. (A very prominent formulation is Triphala, which is composed from Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki).
Besides tonics, herbs and spices are prepared as ayurvedic spice pastes, which are used for cooking. Those spice pastes and sauces (e.g. ayurvedic spice paste, masala sauce, chutneys etc.) give meals a wonderful aroma and act at the same time as remedy.
Watch in the video below a comparison of ultrasonic extraction vs conventional maceration of fresh ribwort leaves in water. Sonication not only produces a potent ribwort within seconds, but also the color of the extract indicates a difference in quality. Whilst the ultrasonic extract has a deep green color, the 20 days long macerated extract has a brownish color that points to an oxidative degradation of the bioactive compounds.
Power Ultrasound for Plant Extraction
High-intensity ultrasound is a common processing technique in food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Homogenization, emulsification, preservation as well as extraction are typical processes, which benefit heavily from sonication. Ultrasonification is used to blend juices, sauces and pastes for improved stability, to extract flavor and aroma compounds as well as bioactive substances such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, antioxidants, vitamins and other nutritional or pharmacological compounds.
Power ultrasound is a process intensifying technology, excelling traditional extraction methods such as maceration, hydrodestillation or Soxhlet by higher yield, faster extraction rate, mild process conditions and high extract quality. By controlling and adjusting the ultraound intensity, herbal drugs can be prepared as sub-micron and nano-sized compounds – ensuring highest bioavailability.
Therefore, sonication is the preferred technique for the preparation of modern ayurvedic herbal drugs.
Standaridization of Extraction
With Hielscher sonicators you can control all important extraction parameters and influencing factors precisely. This helps to establish a standardized extraction process which allows for the production of reliable and continuously high-quality extracts.
Ultrasonic Extraction Equipment
Hielscher Ultrasonics is the leading manufacturer of ultrasonic extraction systems. With thousands of installed ultrasonic extraction machines worldwide, Hielscher is not only your trustworthy partner for the hardware but also for consultation and project development.
Our product range includes ultrasonic systems for small to very large process volumes. Accessories such as different sonotrodes (ultrasonic probes / horns), boosters and flow cells enable for an optimal process setup. Our well-experienced staff of technicians, process engineers and biochemists consult you and guide you from feasibility to scale-up and installation.
Contact us now! We are glad to work with you on your particular extraction process!
Literature / References
- Ayyildiz, Sena Saklar; Karadeniz, Bulent; Sagcanb, Nihan; Bahara, Banu; Us, Ahmet Abdullah; Alasalvar, Cesarettin (2018): Optimizing the extraction parameters of epigallocatechin gallate using conventional hot water and ultrasound assisted methods from green tea. Food and Bioproducts Processing 111 (2018). 37–44.
- Sánchez-Hernández E., Balduque-Gil J., González-García V., Barriuso-Vargas J.J., Casanova-Gascón J., Martín-Gil J., Martín-Ramos P. (2023): Phytochemical Profiling of Sambucus nigra L. Flower and Leaf Extracts and Their Antimicrobial Potential against Almond Tree Pathogens. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023.
- Turrini, Federica; Donno, Dario; Beccaro, Gabriele; Zunin, Paola; Pittaluga, Anna; Boggia, Raffaella (2019): Pulsed Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction as an Alternative Method to Conventional Maceration for the Extraction of the Polyphenolic Fraction of Ribes nigrum Buds: A New Category of Food Supplements Proposed by The FINNOVER Project. Foods. 8. 466; 2019
- Cares, M.G. et al. (2010): Ultrasonically assisted Extraction of bioactive principles from Quillaja Saponaria Molina. Physics Procedia 3, 2010. 169–178.
- Liu, D. et al. (2011): Extraction of polyphenols from grape seeds by unconventional methods and extract concentration through polymeric membrane. ICEF 2011.
- Mason, Th.; Chemat, F.; Vinatoru, M. (2011): The Extraction of Natural Products using Ultrasound or Microwave. Current Organic Chemistry Vol. 15, No. 2, 2011. 237-247.
Facts Worth Knowing
Ultrasound Cavitation and its Effects on Extraction
When high-intensity, low-frequency ultrasound waves are coupled into liquids or pastes, cavitation occurs. Ultrasonic or acoustic cavitation is the
Ultrasonic cavitation perforates and disrupts cell walls and membranes, thereby increasing cell membrane permeability and breakdown. Furthermore, the solvent can enter the cell transporting essential oils and bioactive compounds from the cell interior into the surrounding solvent. Thereby the biochemicals, which are entrapped in the cell, are released into the surrounding solvent and can be separated afterwards. The improved mass transfer between the plant cell and solvent (e.g. water, alcohol, ethanol) enables to produce high-potency extracts.
Ultrasonic extraction is a form of solid-liquid extraction and can be combined with other extraction techniques such as hydrodistillation, Soxhlet, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave etc. in order to increase the capacity of existing extraction equipment and to profit from the synergetic effects of ultrasound. With its outstanding performance in extraction recovery / yield, extraction rate and extract’s quality, sonication is the modern technique for Ayurvedic herbal drug manufacturing. Ultrasonic extraction releases phytochemical constituents with high bioavailability and antioxidant activity. When compared to alternative production methods, sonication results in highest contents of phenols, flavonoids, non-flavonoids, total chlorophylls, total carotenoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and radical scavenging capacity.
„The use of ultrasound can enhance the extraction process by increasing the mass transfer between the solvent and plant material. In addition the collapse of cavitation bubbles leads to better cell disruption via the formation of microjets due to asymmetrical bubble collapse near a solid surface. This allows for improved solvent penetration into the plant body itself and can also break down cell walls. As a consequence, employing ultrasound in the use of plant extraction has benefits in increased mass transfer, better solvent penetration, less dependence on solvent used, extraction at lower temperatures, faster extraction rates and greater yields of product. These features make sonication an attractive proposition for many extractions and for scale-up it should be used in the extraction unit itself where the plant material is in direct contact with the solvent e.g. in the extraction of antioxidants from Rosemary.“ [Mason et al. 2011]
Effects of Ultrasonic Extraction
- Improved Diffusion
- Improved Mass Transfer
- Breakage of Plant Cells
- Improved Solvent Penetration
- Sonocapillary Effect
Ultrasonic extraction is also used for the preparation of spagyric tinctures! Learn more about ultrasonically-assisted preparation of spagyric tinctures including protocols and recommendations!
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the holistic approach to health and well-being. Based on ancient knowledge of the interaction between herbs and health, the ayurvedic practice makes use of natural remedies. Ayurveda and herbology are tightly connected: medicinal and healing properties of hundreds of herbs, spices and botanicals are part of the ayurvedic herbal healing system. Ayurvedic tonics, oils and mixtures can be administered internally as medicine, supplement or food as well as spplied externally via the skin (e.g. oils, lotions, ointments) or as aromatherapy even via the mucous mebrane of the respiratory tract.
Ayurvedic Herbs
In traditional medicine, plant-based remedies made from herbs, spices, roots and flowers are widely used.
Every botanical is known for its specific effects, e.g. to improve digestion, to act as anti-inflammatory or anti-bacterial substance, to relieve pain, alleviate respiratorial problems, to improve overall health, etc.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), cumin, ajwain, coriander, fennel, saunf, mint, mustard seeds, clove, asafetida (hing), fenugreek, black pepper, ginger, cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon, nutmeg, triphala, and cayenne are popular botanicals that are used to improve digestion and metabolism. They are administered to cleanse the body by removing ama (the by-product of poor digestion) and prevent or heal digestive problems.
Phytochemicals present in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), holy basil, licorice, and winter cherry are well known to improve performance, overall health and longevity by increasing energy, strength & well-being. Known as adaptogens, these phytochemicals fortify the body’s resistance to stress.
Tumeric is one of the most important ayurvedic botanicals. It contains curcuminoids and curcumin. These compounds are known for manifold benefits for human health, such as increasing brain function, high antioxidant activity, relieving inflammations (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), and cancer prevention. Curcumin gained a lot of attention in traditional Western meficine and pharmacology due to its cancer-fighting effect. Since both, curcuminoids and curcumin are poorly water-soluble, they should be encapsulated in liposomes. Click here to learn more about ultrasonic encapsulation and liposome preparation!
Moringa (also known as shigru or drumstick tree) is used for its anti-fungal, antiviral, detoxifing properties. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, moringa is called a superfood.
Manjistha and neem contain detoxifying substances, which cleanse and purify the body.
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and betelnut are successfully used to treat insulin resistance and diabetes.
Holy basil (also known as Tulsi; Ocimum sanctum) is used for its inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects.
Kalonji seeds, siris tree, and are known for their beneficial effects on the respiratory system.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Specific Doshas
In Ayurveda, every person is classified regarding his/her dosha type. There are three dosha types – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. For every dosha type exist herbs, which are extraordinarilly beneficial. Find below the most important herbs and spices for each dosha type:
VATA: Ashwagandha, Triphala, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cumin
PITTA: Amalaki, Triphala, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi, Shatavari
KAPHA: Turmeric, Haritaki, Triphala, Ginger, Clove
Sonocapillary Effect
The sonocapillary effect / ultrasonic capillary effect is an anomalous rise of a liquid in a capillary tube under the action of ultrasound. Since some components such as essential oils are in the capillary system of a plant material it would be expected that ultrasound could help expelling them by sonocapillary effect. It is possible that some electrical phenomena accompanying the sonocapillary effect might also have an influence. This phenomenon could improve extraction of polar or ionic compounds, similar to electrophoresis.