Maca Extract Fractionation for Anti-Thrombotic and Pro-Angiogenic Activities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current research on maca extract has not fully explored its undiscovered phytochemical and biological activities, limiting its potential applications in anti-thrombotic, anti-neutrophilic inflammation, anti-allergic, and pro-angiogenic uses.
Innovation Solution
The extraction and separation of maca tuber using different solvents, including aqueous ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, methanol, and n-hexane, followed by column chromatography, to isolate novel alkaloid derivative compounds, which are then tested for their biological activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then the extraction process is simple, but the biological activities and phytochemical compounds remain undiscovered and underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the maca extract into multiple fractions based on polarity using different solvents (aqueous ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, methanol, n-hexane). This systematic segmentation allows isolation of specific compound classes (alkaloid derivatives, flavonolignans, triterpenoids) and reveals distinct biological activities associated with each fraction, thereby discovering new biological functions while managing complexity through structured approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the polarity of extraction solvents to selectively isolate different compounds. By changing solvent polarity parameters systematically, the study identifies and characterizes novel alkaloid derivative compounds and other phytochemicals with specific biological activities, transforming a complex mixture into purified compounds with defined functions
2Quantity of substance
If extensive extraction and separation procedures are performed, then novel compounds and biological activities are isolated, but the process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction process into polarity-based fractions, which efficiently separates compounds with different properties. This segmentation strategy isolates novel alkaloid derivative compounds and other phytochemicals in a systematic manner, achieving high quantity of novel substances while optimizing time through structured fractionation rather than exhaustive trial-and-error methods
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solvents are used for extraction, then comprehensive biological activities are revealed, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a series of solvents with different polarities to extract multiple types of compounds simultaneously from maca. Each solvent fraction reveals different biological activities (anti-thrombotic, anti-neutrophilic inflammation, anti-allergic, pro-angiogenic), making the extraction process universally applicable for discovering diverse phytochemicals and their functions in a single integrated workflow
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 compounds with demonstrated anti-thrombotic, anti-neutrophil inflammatory, anti-allergic, and pro-angiogenic activities, revealing new biological functions of maca extract and isolating novel alkaloid-derived compounds.
Implementation Method 1
A maca tuber was extracted with an aqueous ethanol solution
Implementation Method 2
the crude maca extract was phase-separated and extracted using ethyl acetate and water
Implementation Method 3
the first aqueous layer was phase-separated and extracted using an aqueous n-butanol solution
Implementation Method 4
the ethyl acetate layer was phase-separated and extracted using a mixed solution of methanol and n-hexane
Implementation Method 5
the n-hexane layer and the methanol layer were eluted and purified using column chromatography
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a maca extract and uses thereof. The part of the maca extract extracted with polar solvent has anti-thrombotic activity, the part of the maca extract extracted with medium and low polarity solvents has anti-neutrophilic inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, the part of the maca extract extracted with low polarity solvent has anti-neutrophilic inflammatory activity and has pro-angiogenic activity.