The mechanism for enhancing extraction of ferulic acid from Radix Angelica sinensis by high hydrostatic pressure

• The enhancing extraction mechanism of HHP was investigated.
• Effect of HHP on the extraction yield of ferulic acid was reported.
• The extraction mechanism was related to its excellent matrix swelling effect.
• High solubility of ingredient has significantly effect on extraction efficiency.
• Destruction of the residue tissue of HHP might be a key mechanism.

Radix Angelica sinensis contains a high amount of ferulic acid. However, the extraction of ferulic acid from Radix A. sinensis still encounters technical problems. Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on the yield of ferulic acid in Radix A. sinensis and its relevant mechanism were investigated in this paper. Compared with reflux extraction, high hydrostatic pressure significantly increased yield of ferulic acid, shortened extraction time, and reduced extraction temperature. The experiments results of swelling degree of matrix, solubility of ferulic acid, and microscopic examination of the treated materials indicated that an excellent matrix swelling effect, high solubility of ferulic acid and destruction of the residue tissue might be the key mechanisms for high extraction efficiency by high hydrostatic pressure. These results suggested that high hydrostatic pressure was an innovative technique of high efficiency and low operating temperature for ferulic acid extraction from plant materials.