ABSTRACT:
Microwave extraction can be the better alternative to conventional extraction. Microwave assisted extraction requires shorter time, less solvents, higher extraction rate and better products with lower loss. There is less risk of decomposition and oxidation of phytoconstituents. An attempt has been made to make use of microwave for extraction of two indigenous drugs Emblica officinalis and Curcuma longa. The widely used plants were selected on the basis of their phytochemical profile. In the present study, the rhizomes of Curcuma longa and fruits of Emblica officinalis were subjected to successive solvent extraction using petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. Similarly the powders of both the drugs were subjected to extraction using microwave. The parameters selected for comparison were time required and % yield. It was observed that there was significant increase in the yield in some cases whereas in some cases yield obtained was almost same but the time required was much less as compared to conventional extraction. The results were found to be encouraging to conduct further studies.