Efficient Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Cichoric Acid from Echinacea purpurea Root.

Echinacea purpurea has been reported as a source of bioactive compounds and essential elements. Cichoric acid is a caffeic acid derivative known as appropriate marker for the quality of E. purpurea containing products. We have developed an efficient method of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of cichoric acid from roots of E. purpurea and optimized the process parameters. Comparison of the UAE and maceration techniques for the extraction of cichoric acid from of E. purpurea root was carried out. The concentration of cichoric acid in extracts was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The optimum extraction parameters are 50% (v/v) ethanol - water mixture as solvent, sonication time of 10 min, solute to solvent ratio of 1/10, and extraction temperature of 30°C. The advantageous effect of ultrasonic waves on extraction of cichoric acid in comparison to maceration technique is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]