Extraction of curcuminoids from Curcuma longa: comparative study between batch extraction and novel three phase partitioning

Abstract

Curcuminoids, the active components of dried rhizome of Curcuma longa have been extracted using batch extraction and three-phase partitioning (TPP) process. The effect of different processing parameters, namely different solvents, extraction time, ammonium sulfate concentration, slurry to tert-butanol ratio, and solute to aqueous ratio on extraction efficiency of TPP, was studied to attain maximum extraction yield. The highest yield of 58.38 mg/g was achieved at 40±2 °C in 150 min, with saturated ammonium sulfate 30% (w/v), slurry to tert-butanol ratio 1:1 (v/v), and turmeric powder to water ratio 1:40 (w/v) in TPP. However, batch extraction using ethanol as a solvent yielded 52.77 mg/g in 180 min extraction time at 40±2 °C with 1:40 (w/v) turmeric powder to water ratio and 400 rpm agitation speed. In view of reference method, i.e., Soxhlet extraction (100%), TPP showed 65.63% yield in 150 min and batch exhibited 59.92% in 180 min. The turmeric extracts obtained by different methods exhibited excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities equivalent to their respective reference standards. Hence, TPP extraction process assures a rapid and improved recovery of curcuminoids with excellent therapeutic properties.

Graphical Abstract

Curcuminoids, the active components of dried rhizome of Curcuma longa has been extracted using batch extraction and three-phase partitioning (TPP) process.

Research highlights

• Batch and three phase partitioning (TPP) methods were successfully studied and compared for curcuminoids extraction.

• Influence of different processing parameters on TPP and batch were optimized.

• Three phase partition gives more yield than the batch extraction process.

• The extracts obtained showed excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• TPP was found to be rapid method of extraction compared to batch process.

Keywords:

• Anti-inflammatory
• batch extraction
• curcuminoids
• three phase partitioning
• turmeric rhizomes

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge Konark Herbals and Health Care and the Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research, a public-private partnership between Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).