Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of camptothecin from Camptotheca acuminata seeds

摘要

Naturally occurring camptothecin(CPT) is an important source of chemotherapeutic agents.The extraction from Camptotheca acuminata is still the main approach to obtain CPT compared with total synthesis.In the present study,ultrasound-assisted extractions(UAE) of CPT from C.acuminata seeds with alkaline solutions were investigated and CPT yield were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.The conditions of alkaline species and concentrations,extraction time,extraction temperature and ultrasonic power were optimized.Results show that both Na3PO4 and Na2CO3 solutions gain good extraction yields,whereas Na3PO4 solution has stronger basicity and need higher concentration than Na2CO3 solution does,thus aqueous Na2CO3 is more beneficial for the extraction.The optimal condition was ultrasonically extracted with 0.5% aqueous Na2CO3 at 50°C and ultrasonic power of 400 W for 60 min.Comparing with UAE with ethanol,the extraction with 0.5% Na2CO3 solution achieves higher yield.Moreover,aqueous Na2CO3 as a solvent has various advantages including non-toxicity,inflammable,non-corrosive and low cost,which ensure this UAE method is a superior method with high utilizing prospect.