Factors affecting the extraction of alkylamides and cichoric acid during ethanolic processing of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench

Factors generic to the manufacture of ethanolic extracts of Echinacea purpu rea (L.) Moench were evaluated for their ability to extract the pharmacolog ically active alkylamides and cichoric acid in roots and shoots. Extraction of alkylamides and cichoric acid was differentially affected by ethanol co mposition, with 60: 40 mixture of ethanol : water giving the maximum overal l yield of both constituents. Elevated solvent temperature enhanced cichori c acid extraction but was detrimental for the alkylamides. A reduction in p article size and a high solvent : solid ratio resulted in a marked increase in extraction of both constituent groups. Both constituent groups were fou nd to be stable in ethanol : water solutions held at 20 degrees C for 4 mon ths.