An overview of microwave assisted extraction and its applications in herbal drug research

Abstract

The application of microwave assisted extraction process for isolation and extraction of phytoconstituents from plant material has gained an increasing importance. The techniques used for extraction since decades have the limitations of requiring longer extraction times, large solvent volumes and cause degradation of thermo labile components. In the present review an attempt is been made to emphasize upon the importance of Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) in herbal drug research. The merits of MAE which help to prove it of being better than conventional techniques are discussed. The technique requires less solvent volume, gives high and fast extraction performance and offers protection to thermo-labile constituents. The theory and basic principle of using microwave-energy for extraction, parameters affecting the microwave-extraction efficiency, its statistical optimization strategies and potential applications have also elucidated. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.