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 purpurea (L.) Moench were evaluated for their ability to extract the pharmacologically active alkylamides and cichoric acid in roots and shoots. Extraction of alkylamides and cichoric acid was differentially affected by ethanol composition, with 60: 40 mixture of ethanol : water giving the maximum overall yield of both constituents. Elevated solvent temperature enhanced cichoric acid extraction but was detrimental for the alkylamides. A reduction in particle size and a high solvent : solid ratio resulted in a marked increase in extraction of both constituent groups. Both constituent groups were found to be stable in ethanol : water solutions held at 20 degrees C for 4 months.