Extraction of simmondsins from defatted jojoba meal using aqueous ethanol

The development of a new crop may be enhanced by the recovery of secondary metabolites that have new applications. Simmondsin compounds were extracted from commercially defatted jojoba meal in laboratory experiments with solu tions of 80-100% aqueous ethanol. Batch extractions performed with 80% etha nol at a 1:10 meal to solvent ratio and at 25 degrees C for 30 min exhibite d increased selectivities for simmondsin and simmondsin ferulate as compare d to similar extractions performed with deionized water. The extraction of simmondsin compounds from defatted jojoba meal with aqueous ethanol is feas ible and offers the advantages of a solvent with low toxicity and low volat ility. Aqueous ethanol is compatible with equipment currently used in the v egetable oils industry and would require only modest changes in operating c onditions and plant layout to be implemented on a large scale. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.