Effect of extraction process parameters on the yield of bioactive compounds from the roots of eurycoma longifolia

Abstract

The effects of extraction process parameters, i.e., extraction time (15-45 min), temperature (40-110°C), particle size (Tongkat Ali roots in chip and powder form), agitation speed (200-400 rpm) and solvent to solid ratio (10:1, 20:1 and 30:1) on the extraction yields from Eurycoma longifolia were investigated, focusing on eurycomanone, benzoic acid and gallic acid as the product of interests. The concentrations of these bioactive compounds were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results obtained showed that the extraction yields increased with reduced particle size and increased of temperature, solvent to solid ratio and agitation speed. The optimum extraction temperature for maximizing yields of eurycomanone, benzoic acid and gallic acid were 100°C, 50°C and 80°C respectively. The highest yields were obtained when the process was run at 45 minutes, with a solvent to solid ratio of 20 to 1, agitation speed of 400 rpm and a smaller particle size (Tongkat Ali roots in powder form) was used. The results provided useful insights for making the process economically feasible and in particular, when the search of other bioactive components is to be continued. © 2012 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved.