Homogenate Extraction of Vinblastine,Vindoline and Catharanthine from Fresh Catharanthus roseus

Three important alkaloids (Vinblastine, Vindoline and Catharanthine) were extracted from fresh leaves and branches of Catharanthus roseus by homogenate extraction. The effects of different homogenate extracting factors on extraction yield were studied, and the suitable parameters for the homogenate extraction were decided as follows: the solid-liquid ratio of homogenate extraction is 1:10 (g : mL), the extracting solvent used is aqueous solution of 0.15% sulfuric acid and 50% methanol, the times of homogenate used are 3 times and the homogenate time for each time of homogenate is 2.5 min. Using above suitable homogenate extraction parameters, the yield of Vinblastine is 10.78% higher than that obtained by using ultrasonic wave extraction method, 6.96% higher than that obtained by using warm immersion method and 13.36% higher than that obtained by using hot reflux extraction method, and the total time of three-times homogenate extractions is only 7.5 min. Since the homogenate extraction avoids the drying and crushing operations of the material, the operation of homogenate extraction is simpler than that of other conventional used extraction methods, and during homogenate extraction, the crushing of material and extraction of potent components happen at the same time, therefore it is a rapid and high intensity method for the extraction of potent components from plant.