Tribulus terrestris Purification via Salting Out and Alcohol Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting biologically active products from Tribulus terrestris fail to effectively separate furostanol saponins from pyrrolizidine alkaloids, leading to low concentrations of the former and significant amounts of the latter in the final product.
Innovation Solution
A method involving salting out furostanol saponins with a salt solution, followed by washing and dissolving in water, and subsequent alcohol extraction to separate and reduce pyrrolizidine alkaloids, resulting in a product with high furostanol saponin content and low pyrrolizidine alkaloid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If total herbal extracts are obtained by extraction with water or water-alcohol mixtures, then the extract contains all active ingredients, but it also contains uncontrollable amounts of undesirable impurities and ballast substances
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is divided into multiple sequential steps: initial extraction with water-methanol, salting out to separate saponins, filtration, and alcohol extraction to remove alkaloids. Each step segments the purification process to address specific impurities while preserving active ingredients.
Solution Approach 2:
The method selectively extracts and removes harmful substances (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) from the total extract through alcohol extraction, while preserving the desired furostanol saponins. This targeted extraction approach removes impurities without losing active components.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If pyrrolizidine alkaloids are extracted from plant material using hot or cold alcohol, then the alkaloids are separated from the plant, but the method does not effectively separate them from furostanol saponins
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies different extraction conditions to different components: salting out is used specifically to precipitate furostanol saponins from the aqueous phase, while subsequent alcohol extraction targets pyrrolizidine alkaloids. This localized approach ensures selective separation of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The salting out step is performed as a preliminary action before alcohol extraction. By first precipitating and removing furostanol saponins through salting out, the subsequent alcohol extraction can more effectively remove pyrrolizidine alkaloids without interference from the saponins, thereby improving overall separation purity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the extract is subjected to series of purifications to remove interfering substances, then the active substances are concentrated, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple purification functions are merged into a unified process flow: salting out for saponin separation, filtration for solid removal, and alcohol extraction for alkaloid removal. This combined approach achieves high purification levels while reducing the number of discrete steps and equipment requirements.
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 method achieves a significant reduction in pyrrolizidine alkaloids to below 80 μg/liter in Tribulus terrestris extracts, while maintaining a high concentration of furostanol saponins, thereby enhancing the product's safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
salting out furostanol saponins with a salt solution
Implementation Method 2
subsequent alcohol extraction to separate and reduce pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composition of matter extracted from the plant Tribulus terrestris, having less than 400 μg per kilogram of dry matter pyrrolizidine alkaloids and at least 40% furostanol saponins and a Tribulus terrestris extract having at least 10% furostanol saponins and pyrilizidine alkaloids, having concentration of less than 80 μg per liter extract. The invention is further directed to a method for the purification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Tribulus terrestris plant extract by salting out the saponins from the extract with a first salt solution until a precipitate forms, washing the precipitate with a second salt solution and is then dissolving the precipitate in water, removing the remaining amount of salt from the obtained aqueous solution by extraction with alcohol, washing with water, and evaporating the residual alcohol to obtain a final aqueous extract of the biologically active plant product, which can be dried.