Symphytum Extract Purification via One-Pot Differential Precipitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing Symphytum extracts are complex, solvent-intensive, and result in high production costs, with a need for efficient pyrrolizidine alkaloid purification to meet safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A one-pot process involving differential precipitation and adsorption in a Disperse Extract System (DES) to selectively remove pyrrolizidine alkaloids, allowing for high-yield extraction of pharmaceutically relevant ingredients while minimizing solvent use and process steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional multi-step extraction and purification methods are used, then pyrrolizidine alkaloids can be removed, but the process complexity and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple purification steps (precipitation, filtration, concentration) into a single integrated process where aluminum salts are added to precipitate pyrrolizidine alkaloids, followed by simultaneous filtration and concentration in one continuous operation, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining effective PA removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selectively extracts and removes pyrrolizidine alkaloids from the Symphytum extract by adding aluminum salts that specifically bind to PAs, forming insoluble complexes that can be easily separated from the desired active ingredients through filtration, thus removing harmful factors without affecting beneficial components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional extraction methods are used, then pyrrolizidine alkaloids are removed, but solvent consumption and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extract by adding aluminum salts that alter the solubility characteristics of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, causing them to precipitate out of solution without requiring additional organic solvents, thus achieving effective PA removal with minimal solvent consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive aluminum salts as a reagent that can be easily added and removed, replacing expensive and time-consuming traditional solvent-based purification methods, thereby reducing both material costs and production time
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive purification steps are performed, then extract quality improves, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary precipitation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids using aluminum salts before the main extraction and purification steps, pre-concentrating the harmful substances for easier removal in subsequent steps, thereby improving final extract quality without significantly extending production time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous purification process where precipitation, filtration, and concentration occur in sequence without interrupting the production flow, maintaining high extract quality while maximizing production efficiency through uninterrupted processing
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
This approach significantly reduces process complexity and costs, achieves high pyrrolizidine alkaloid removal, and results in a high-quality, PA-cleaned Symphytum extract suitable for pharmaceutical use with minimal PA content, enhancing safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A one-pot process involving differential precipitation and adsorption in a Disperse Extract System (DES) to selectively remove pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Implementation Method 2
differential precipitation of low-molecular polysaccharides as a second precipitate from a plant extract
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the purification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from a plant extract (primary extract) of Symphytum, comprising the following steps: - providing a plant extract (primary extract) of Symphytum; - differential precipitation of low-molecular-weight polysaccharides as a second precipitate from the plant extract (primary extract); - pyrrolizidine alkaloid purification by selective removal of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from a dispersed extract system. The precipitated second precipitate remains in the dispersed extract system along with a primary extract. A raffinate and a plant extract (primary extract) can be separated from the extraction mixture (extraction material), the raffinate containing, in addition to insoluble components of Symphytum, the high-molecular-weight polysaccharides from a first precipitate. The high-molecular-weight polysaccharides from a suspension system of Symphytum can be precipitated in a first differential precipitation.