Lithospermum is a plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Lithospermum oil is an essential compound extracted from the plant that has various medicinal and cosmetic applications. Supercritical CO2 extraction is a promising method for obtaining high-quality Lithospermum oil. This article explores the effectiveness of supercritical CO2 extraction for Lithospermum.
How Supercritical CO2 Extraction Works
Supercritical CO2 extraction is a method for obtaining oils and other compounds from natural sources. In this method, CO2 is pressurized above its critical point and then used to extract the desired compounds from the plant material. The high-density fluid can easily penetrate into small spaces and extract the oil with high selectivity.
Supercritical CO2 extraction is a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvent-based extraction methods. It produces a purer extract with fewer solvent residues, making it ideal for the extraction of valuable compounds such as Lithospermum oil.
Experimental Results
To investigate the effectiveness of supercritical CO2 extraction for Lithospermum oil, a series of experiments were performed. The extraction parameters, including pressure, temperature, and time, were optimized using a central composite design (CCD). The yield and quality of the extracted oil were evaluated, including the fatty acid composition, color, and purity.
The optimal conditions for supercritical CO2 extraction were determined to be 30 MPa pressure, 40°C temperature, and 2 hours of extraction time. The extracted oil yield was 11.28%, and the fatty acid composition was found to be mainly composed of linoleic acid (72.1%) and oleic acid (9.9%). The oil extracted under optimal conditions was found to be of high quality, with a bright yellow color and a purity of 99%.
Comparison with Traditional Extraction Methods
Traditional extraction methods for Lithospermum oil involve the use of organic solvents such as hexane and ethanol. These solvents are known to be harmful to the environment and human health, and the extracted oil may contain solvent residues. In addition, traditional extraction methods are less selective and may extract unwanted compounds from the plant material.
Supercritical CO2 extraction is a safer and more selective alternative to traditional extraction methods. It produces a purer extract with fewer solvent residues and is more environmentally friendly. Moreover, the extracted oil has a high fatty acid composition, which is essential for its medicinal and cosmetic applications.
Conclusion
Supercritical CO2 extraction is a promising method for obtaining high-quality Lithospermum oil. The optimal conditions for extraction were determined to be 30 MPa pressure, 40°C temperature, and 2 hours of extraction time. The obtained oil had a high fatty acid composition, including linoleic acid and oleic acid and was of high quality. Supercritical CO2 extraction is a safer and more selective alternative to traditional extraction methods, making it ideal for the extraction of valuable compounds from natural sources.
Comparison of Supercritical CO2 Extraction vs Traditional Extraction Methods
| Extraction Method | Effectiveness | Environmental Impact | Selectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supercritical CO2 Extraction | Highly Effective | Environmentally friendly | More Selective |
| Traditional Extraction Methods | Variable Effectiveness | Harmful to Environment and Health | Less Selective |
Benefits of Supercritical CO2 Extraction for Lithospermum
- High selectivity for extracting valuable compounds such as Lithospermum oil
- Safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional extraction methods
- Produces a purer extract with fewer solvent residues
- High fatty acid composition, which is essential for its medicinal and cosmetic applications
- Can be optimized using the central composite design method for improved yield and quality.
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon
Lithospermum (scientific name: Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb.et Zucc.) is a plant belonging to the Comfrey genus of the Boraginaceae. Perennial herb, the roots are rich in purple substances. Stems are usually 1-3, erect, 40-90 cm tall.
The leaves are sessile, ovate-lanceolate to broad-lanceolate, 3-8 cm long and 7-17 mm wide.
The inflorescence has stems and upper branches, 2-6 cm long, and the fruiting period is prolonged. The nutlets are ovoid, milky white or yellowish brown, about 3.5 mm long, smooth and shiny, and the midline of the ventral surface is concave with longitudinal grooves. Flower and fruit period is from June to September.
Distributed in North Korea, Japan, and China; in China distributed in Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, Henan, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, North Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Southeast Gansu. Grows on the hillside grassland.
Lithospermum perilla is used as a Chinese medicine with dried roots. It has the functions of cooling blood, activating serum, clearing heat and detoxification, and clearing skin rashes. It can treat heat spot rash, damp-heat yellow bile, vomiting blood, blood, blood in urine, diarrhea, bloody dysentery, heat constipation, burns, eczema, erysipelas, and other diseases.
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Extract
Comfrey extract is an organic substance with the chemical formula C16H16O5, which is a purple flake crystal or crystalline powder. Insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, organic solvents, and vegetable oils. It is easily soluble in alkaline water and precipitates out when it encounters acid. Used as a food coloring agent. Alkannin has anticancer activity, inhibits the cell cycle, and induces apoptosis. Alkannin ameliorates liver inflammation in the Rho kinase pathway.
Shikonin
Shikonin has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other effects. Clinically used for the treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis (ascites). Dermohepatology is used to treat flat warts, and psoriasis and topical application to treat burns and promote wound healing. Eye drops are used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus keratitis, and have a certain effect on epithelial dendritic and superficial parenchymal dendritic keratitis. Oils are used to treat infant dermatitis, eczema, vaginitis, cervicitis, etc. Toothpaste containing shikonin can prevent dental caries and gingivitis. It can also be used as a coloring agent in medicine, cosmetics, and food.
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon CO2 Extraction Process
- Pulverization degree:100 mesh
- Extraction pressure: 14 MPa
- Extraction temperature: 45°C
- Separation pressure: 6 MPa
- Separation temperature: 60°C
- Extraction time: 100 min
Lithospermum root CO2 total extract
Lithospermum is a flowering plant that is native to Asia. The plant offers a rich, fascinating history. For over a thousand years, the dark red roots of Lithospermum have been cultivated in Japan and used for their extensive wellness and skincare applications. In the present day, Lithospermum Root Extract is gaining greater attention and is used in an array of luxe skin care products including creams, facial serums, cleansers, toners, and masks.
Lithospermum root CO2 total extract contains approximately 20% naphthoquinones, a group of organic compounds that is responsible for the dramatic red hue of the extract. These compounds offer impressive benefits within skin care applications. These naturally occurring components include shikonin, acetylshikonin, deoxyshikonin, isobuyrylshikonin, isovalerylshikonin, a-methylbutyrylshikonin B-hydroxyisovalerylshikonin and B,B-dimethylacrylshikonin.
Application
Lithospermum root CO2 total extract may be used in a wide range of cosmetic, wellness, and other personal care formulations to incorporate the herbal benefits of the extract. We recommend doing several test batches to find the ideal usage rate for your product. The extract will impart a characteristic hue to your formulation and may limit your usage rate.
It may impart a blue-magenta hue in alkaline conditions.
While lithospermum root CO2 total extract may be used for its herbal benefits in personal care products such as creams, lotions, and balms, the FDA does not allow its intentional use as a color additive in such products. It may be used as a natural colorant in soaps as the FDA does not regulate the manufacturing or labeling of soap.
Properties
- Dark Red Hue
- Characteristic Bitter, Root-Like Aroma
- Thick Liquid Consistency at Room Temperature
- Standardized in Approximately 60% Organic Jojoba
- Abundant in Naphthoquinones and Phytosterols
- See Spec Sheet for Composition Data
- Gromwell Root CO2 Total Extract is Well Suited for the Following Personal Care Applications:
- Skin Care
- Cosmetics
- Soap Making
- Recommended Usage:*
- 0.03% to 0.1%
Summary
In conclusion, supercritical CO2 extraction is a promising method for obtaining high-quality Lithospermum oil. It offers several advantages over traditional extraction methods, including higher selectivity, improved environmental impact, and purer extract with fewer solvent residues. The method can potentially be used in various industries for the extraction of valuable compounds from natural sources.