Effects of expression technology on physical parameters and phytochemical profile of Echinacea purpurea juice

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the quality of E. purpurea juice obtained using two types of press, a hydraulic bag press (BP) and a mechanical screw press (SP). Cichoric acid concentration was about twice as high in the SP juice compared to the BP juice. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the alkylamides were observed, in favor of the SP. BP juice had a significantly higher pH, density and viscosity. No differences were observed in levels of soluble or total solids. The results of this study suggest that SP is more suitable for Echinacea juice expression than BP. Engineering and juice quality considerations in the selection of expression technology for medicinal plants are discussed in the context of therapeutic value.