Pressurized liquid extraction and multiple, ultrasonically-assisted extractions of hydrastine and berberine from goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) with subsequent HPLC assay

Procedures involving either multiple ultrasonically-assisted extractions or pressurized liquid extractions for extracting hydrastine and berberine fro m goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) prior to assay by HPLC are presented. B oth procedures provide significant time advantages over Soxhlet extraction, while yielding commensurate results. The laboratory-assembled pressurized liquid extraction apparatus is described and used to facilitate the assay o f hydrastine and berberine in some goldenseal products.