engleski

Green extracting as a contribution to sustainability: the case of Veronica officinalis L.

New methods for the extraction of free volatile compounds (FVCs) are being introduced because future use of these compounds will require greener solutions that consume less energy in the extraction processes. Evaluating the differences between the compositions of FVCs derived from different extraction techniques are valuable for estimating the quality of the product at the end of the extraction process and for the future use of this components. FVCs as part of specialized metabolites are a source of valuable biologically active compounds. To gain insight into the differences between hydrodistillation (HD) and microwave extraction (ME), FVCs extracted from the aerial parts of Veronica officinalis L. were investigated. It is precisely because of the phytochemical constituents of the studied species, that V. officinalis L. is used in the traditional medicine. HD and ME extracts consist of an oil part and the water part (hydrosols). The FVCs of both parts were analyzed by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. In the obtained HD oil extract, β­ionone (18.11%) and hexadecanoic acid (13.21%) are the most abundant components. The most abundant compounds identified in the oil portion isolated by ME were also hexadecanoic acid (12.40%) and 3­hexen­1­ol (22.04%). This species is commonly used in herbal tea, so the presence of 3­hexen­1­ol was expected since this compound is widely present in fresh tea leaves. In the hydrosols obtained by HD, 2­methoxy­4­vinylphenol (11.12%) and β­ionone (12.78%) dominated. In the composition of hydrosol obtained by ME, caryophyllene oxide (15.46%) and squalene (15.15%) dominated. From our results, it is clear that the extraction methods used isolate different compounds in the same extract (from the same plant material). Therefore, despite the fact that ME is the more environmentally friendly choice, it is important to gain insight into the composition of the extract obtained, especially when the extract is further used.

green extraction ; genus Veronica

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