ACCELERATED SOLVENT-EXTRACTION OF TAXANES COMPOUNDS FROM TAXUS-CUSPIDATA

The Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) method was used in the recove ry of taxanes from Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et. Zucc. using methanol as t he solvent. Contents of taxanes different parts of the tree (wood, twi gs, bark, roots, and needles) were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The ASE of the bark (extraction pressure: 20.26 MPa, extraction temperature: 50 degrees C, extraction time: 15 min) produce d the largest yield of taxol (0.068% taxol based on dry weight). The y ield of taxol from the bark by ASE was 28% more than the yield under a tmospheric conditions using methanol as a solvent (24 hrs; five times, room temperature).