Pygeum Extraction from Renewable Prunus domestica Stem Cuttings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited supply of pygeum, a bioactive substance, due to its extraction from non-renewable sources like the bark of Prunus africana, has led to environmental concerns and the plant's classification as endangered, as traditional methods result in the death of the plant, causing a diminishing supply and sustainability issues.
Innovation Solution
A novel process for extracting pygeum from renewable sources, specifically pruned stem cuttings/twigs of Prunus domestica, which are a waste product obtained during routine pruning, replacing the non-renewable bark source, ensuring the plant's survival and providing a sustainable supply of high-quality pygeum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pygeum is extracted from the bark of Prunus africana, then the extract can be obtained with the required chemical composition and biological activity, but the plant dies and the supply becomes limited and unsustainable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the source parameter from bark to pruned stem cuttings/twigs, and modifies the extraction parameters (using chlorinated organic solvents or water-alcohol mixtures at 35-40°C) to achieve comparable chemical composition (15-18% total sterols) and biological activity without harming the plant
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers pygeum from previously discarded pruned stem cuttings and twigs that are normally wasted during routine pruning, transforming a waste product into a valuable renewable resource for extract production
2Reliability
If traditional extraction methods are used from bark, then pygeum can be obtained, but the process is not eco-friendly and causes environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful practice of bark harvesting that kills trees into a beneficial process by using routinely pruned cuttings and twigs that would otherwise be discarded, thereby eliminating environmental harm while maintaining extract quality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes plant material that is already removed during routine pruning for growth management, making the pygeum production process self-service and eliminating the need for separate harvesting operations that would cause environmental damage
3Reliability
If pygeum is extracted from renewable sources like pruned stem cuttings, then sustainability is improved and plant survival is ensured, but the yield and quality need to be comparable to traditional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes extraction parameters including temperature (35-40°C), solvent selection (chlorinated organic solvents or water-alcohol mixtures), and processing conditions to achieve extract quality with 15-18% total sterols that matches or exceeds traditional bark-derived extracts
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical harvesting of bark with a chemical extraction process from pruned material, using solvents to selectively extract active constituents while preserving both plant life and extract quality
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 new process yields pygeum with comparable biological activity and chemical composition to the traditional method, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly, and commercially viable solution for the treatment of enlarged prostate, with increased yield and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Extracting the powdered stem material with chlorinated organic solvents or water-alcohol mixture
Implementation Method 2
Filtering and drying the extract under vacuum at 30°C to obtain pygeum
Data Source
AI summary
An improved process for the extraction of pygeum from the plant of the family rosacaea, amygdales tribe, genus Prunus species domestica (Indian Prunus) and related species (as herein defined) comprising the steps of collecting the plant material i.e. stem cuttings/ twigs, removing the leaves and drying till moisture content is about 10-15%, powdering the stem material, extracting with chlorinated organic solvents and water-alcohol mixture, in ratio of 1 :4, filtering and drying the extract under vacuum at 30 degree Celsius to obtain a greenish mass with bitter almond smell, the mass being referred to as 'pygeum' wherein in the improved process, a 'renewable plant source' i.e. stem cuttings/ twigs, are used for extraction of pygeum instead of a 'non-renewable' source such as bark of the tree. The pygeum obtained by the new process has a pharmacopeia profile similar to the product 'pygeum' obtained from a 'non- renewable source' i.e. bark of Pygeum africanum. Further, it is non-toxic and shows anti-BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) activity comparable with that of pygeum obtained from non-renewable source i.e. bark of Prunus Africana.