Ultrasound Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ultrasound, including details on screening, diagnosis, pregnancy, detection.

The use of ultrasound in the extraction of Ilex paraguariensis leaves: a comparison with maceration.

Jacques RA, dos Santos Freitas L, Pérez VF, Dariva C, de Oliveira AP, de Oliveira JV, Caramão EB

Chemistry Institute, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, CEP: 91501-960 RS, Brazil. raj@uri.com.br

The objective of this work is to discuss the main parameters that influence the sonication extraction of Ilex paraguariensis leaves. For this purpose, the extraction time, solvent polarity, solvent volume, sample mass and particle size were evaluated. Results showed that the main variable affecting the extraction process was the solvent polarity. Though in a less extent, temperature and extraction time also demonstrated to be important parameters, while the other variables did not present a significant influence on the extraction yield. The extracts at the optimized condition were compared with those obtained by maceration, in terms of mass yield and chemical composition. The major compounds identified in the extracts were caffeine and palmitic acid. Some saturated hydrocarbons such as fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters, phytosterols, and theobromine were also identified in the fractions.

Published 29 August 2006 in Ultrason Sonochem, 14(1): 6-12.
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