Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Azadirachta indica for Cancer Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solvent extraction processes for Azadirachta indica compromise the integrity of heat-sensitive phytoconstituents, leading to the destruction or modification of molecular and chemical structures, and often use hazardous solvents, which are not suitable for scalable industrial production or safe for human use, particularly in the treatment of oral and colon cancers.
Innovation Solution
A process using supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) extraction at controlled pressures and temperatures to obtain a standardized CO2 extract of Azadirachta indica leaves, which includes further extraction with ethyl alcohol and vacuum distillation to maintain the integrity of sensitive compounds, eliminating hazardous solvent residues and ensuring the retention of therapeutic value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solvent extraction processes are used for Azadirachta indica, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the integrity of heat-sensitive phytoconstituents is compromised and hazardous solvent residues are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the extraction solvent by using supercritical CO2 at controlled temperatures (31-45°C) and pressures (80-350 Bar), transforming it from a conventional liquid solvent system to a supercritical fluid system that extracts efficiently while preserving heat-sensitive compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of CO2 between supercritical and gaseous states to control extraction and separation processes, where CO2 transitions to supercritical state for extraction and back to gaseous state for easy separation, eliminating hazardous solvent residues
2Productivity
If conventional solvent extraction processes are used for Azadirachta indica, then extraction efficiency is improved, but hazardous solvent residues are generated which are not safe for human use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses CO2 as a temporary extraction medium that can be easily disposed of by simply reducing pressure, leaving no hazardous residues. The supercritical CO2 serves its extraction function and then dissipates harmlessly, unlike conventional solvents that leave persistent harmful residues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the high pressure and temperature conditions required for supercritical extraction into beneficial control parameters that enable efficient extraction while ensuring complete removal of the extraction medium, transforming potential harmful conditions into safe and controllable process parameters
3Productivity
If high temperature extraction is used to improve extraction efficiency, then extraction rate increases, but temperature-sensitive ingredients are destroyed or modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to a controlled range (31-45°C) that is sufficient for supercritical extraction but below the degradation threshold of heat-sensitive phytoconstituents, while compensating for lower temperature extraction rates through increased pressure and optimized contact time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts pressure and temperature parameters during the extraction process to optimize both extraction rate and compound stability, using controlled pressure increases to maintain supercritical state at lower temperatures and adjusting residence time to balance extraction efficiency with compound integrity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The SCO2 extract retains temperature-sensitive ingredients and active components like Nimbolide, Nimbin, and Salinin, demonstrating anti-proliferative activity and inducing apoptosis in human oral and colon cancer cell lines, providing a robust and safe herbal composition for cancer treatment.
Implementation Method 1
A process using supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) extraction at controlled pressures and temperatures to obtain a standardized CO2 extract of Azadirachta indica leaves
Implementation Method 2
vacuum distillation to maintain the integrity of sensitive compounds, eliminating hazardous solvent residues
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses process for preparation of a CO2 extract of Azadirachta indica and herbal compositions thereof for the treatment of Oral and Colon cancers. More particularly, the invention discloses a process for preparation of a standardized SCO2 extract of Azadirachta indica leaves and herbal compositions of the same for oral use.