Calendula Extract via Supercritical CO2 for Triterpene Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting Calendula officinalis extracts with organic solvents result in low, non-standardized content of triterpene esters, contamination with unnecessary substances, and potential solvent residues, posing formulation challenges and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the extraction of Calendula officinalis flowers with carbon dioxide in a supercritical phase at specific conditions (temperature 60-70°C and pressure 600-700 bar) to obtain extracts A and B, which are then mixed in a specific ratio to create a standardized triterpene ester mixture for use in topical formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If extraction with organic solvent is used, then the extraction process is simple, but the extract contains low and non-standardized content of triterpene esters along with unnecessary substances and solvent residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional organic solvent extraction to supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, changing the physical state and chemical properties of the extraction medium. This parameter change enables selective extraction of triterpene esters while excluding unnecessary substances, achieving standardized content (at least 3% triterpene esters with faradiol esters representing at least 75% of the total) without solvent residues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of carbon dioxide between supercritical and gaseous states to control the extraction process. By adjusting pressure and temperature parameters, CO2 transitions to a supercritical state for extraction, then returns to gaseous state for easy separation from the extract, eliminating the need for solvent removal and preventing solvent residues in the final product
2Reliability
If extraction with carbon dioxide in supercritical phase is used, then the active principles are maintained integral, but further purification stages are required to eliminate undesired components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes extraction parameters (temperature of 40-50°C and pressure of 300-800 bar) to achieve selective extraction that maintains active principles integrity while minimizing undesired components. By carefully controlling these parameters, the process extracts triterpene esters with high selectivity, reducing the need for further purification stages compared to conventional methods
3Manufacturing precision
If higher pressure and extraction modifier are used in supercritical CO2 extraction, then the content of faradiol myristate is improved, but the process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high faradiol myristate content by optimizing pressure parameters (300-800 bar) and temperature (40-50°C) without requiring extraction modifiers. This parameter optimization approach attains standardized triterpene ester content while avoiding the added complexity and cost associated with modifier addition found in other methods
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional extraction methods are used, then the extraction process is straightforward, but considerable amounts of extract must be used for preparation of finished products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves extract efficiency by changing the extraction method to supercritical CO2 with optimized parameters, achieving standardized triterpene ester content (at least 3%). This concentration standardization means that smaller, more efficient amounts of extract are required for finished product preparation compared to conventional methods that yield dilute, non-standardized extracts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies selective extraction by using supercritical CO2 to specifically target and extract triterpene esters from Calendula officinalis while leaving unnecessary substances behind. This selective taking out of desired components concentrates the active principles in the extract, improving the efficiency and reducing the quantity needed for final formulations
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 process yields a balanced and enriched triterpene ester extract with at least 3% content, ensuring effective lenitive, protective, and anti-reddening action in topical formulations while minimizing unwanted components and solvent residues, thus enhancing product tolerability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
extraction with carbon dioxide in supercritical phase at specific conditions (temperature 60-70°C and pressure 600-700 bar)
Implementation Method 2
extraction of Calendula officinalis flowers with carbon dioxide in a supercritical phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention regards a process for extracting flowering tops of Calendula officinalis comprising the extraction with carbon dioxide in supercritical phase at high temperature and pressures, in order to obtain two extracts which, when mixed together in suitable weight ratios, constitute a total extract enriched with calenduladiol, arnidiol and faradiol esters with myristic, lauric and/or palmitic acid. This total extract can be conveniently used for preparing topical formulations for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use.