Researchers have unveiled groundbreaking findings on the extraction of ethanimidic acid from hibiscus flowers using microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD), demonstrating both efficiency and scalability for industrial applications.
The study highlights the advantages of modern extraction techniques, showcasing how MAHD outperforms traditional methods. Over the years, extracting valuable compounds from plants has faced challenges with efficiency and yield. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, commonly known for its vibrant flowers, offers not only aesthetic value but also has significant biomedical properties. Ethanimidic acid, its primary constituent, is recognized for various therapeutic effects, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory actions.
Research conducted at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia focused on developing kinetic models to accurately capture the extraction dynamics of ethanimidic acid. This involved analyzing the concentration of the acid over time under different microwave powers, extraction durations, and solid-to-liquid ratios. The findings underscored the second-order kinetic model’s accuracy, achieving a remarkable correlation coefficient of R² = 0.954.
Dr. H. H. Rassem, one of the authors, noted, "The second-order model ensures precise control of ethanimidic acid extraction, enabling efficient scalability for industrial production and consistent quality for pharmacological applications." This powerful insight highlights the model’s capability to optimize extraction conditions, thereby enhancing the quality and yield of ethanimidic acid.
The study's methodology involved extracting 90 grams of dried hibiscus flower powder using 1000 mL of 95% methanol under varying microwave power settings ranging from 200 to 1000 Watts. Results indicated notable increases in ethanimidic acid concentration at lower power ranges, with yields plateauing and even decreasing at higher settings due to potential thermal degradation.
Findings revealed the extraction process occurs in two distinct phases: the initial washing and subsequent diffusion of ethanimidic acid. This two-step mechanism contributes to the efficient release of the bioactive compound during extraction, establishing MAHD as not only suitable for laboratory settings but also for scalable industrial applications.
Aside from enhancing retrieval efficiency, this research embodies sustainable extraction practices. Ethanimidic acid shows promise as it exhibits diverse bioactivity and could lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs. Previous studies have often neglected the kinetic modeling aspect of this specific extraction process from hibiscus flowers, creating knowledge gaps. This study effectively closes this gap.
"This study highlights microwave power’s and extraction time’s role in optimizing the MAHD process," said Rassem. The authors devised solutions for assessing experimental data, optimizing yields, and producing cost-effective results. The significance of this work lies not only in its innovative methodologies but also in its contribution to sustainable practices within the field of natural product recovery.
Concluding their research, the authors hope their findings exemplify the effectiveness of MAHD and kindle future studies focused on optimizing this technology's use for other bioactive compound extractions. The advancements achieved through this research position the extraction of ethanimidic acid from hibiscus flowers as the forefront of eco-friendly and efficient methods, setting the stage for broader scientific and industrial applications.