Investigation of Stability and Optimization of Vacuum Extraction Technology for Active Constituents in Gardeniae Fructus

Objective: To investigate stability of geniposide and crocin-I in water extract of Gardeniae Fructus and optimize their vacuum extraction process. Method: Stability of geniposide and crocin-I in water extract was studied by classical constant temperature acceleration test. With extract yield,contents of geniposide and crocin-I as dependent variables,solid-liquid ratio,extraction temperature and time as independent variables, Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology was optimize vacuum extraction technology. Result: Optimal process parameters was as follows: extraction temperature 45 ℃,extraction time 60 min,ratio of liquid to solid 14∶ 1; Under these conditions,extract yield,contents of geniposide and crocin Ⅰ were 28. 24%( 0. 96%), 3. 51%( 1. 44%) and 1. 21%( 2. 21%),respectively. Conclusion: Vacuum extraction method was suitable for Chinese herbals which contained heat-sensitive components. This optimized process was reasonable and practicable,which could provide useful reference for comprehensive utilization of Gardeniae Fructus.