Ultrasonically assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave assisted extraction (MAE) of functional compounds from plant materials

In order to identify the chemical constituents of vegetal material it is important that an efficient extraction procedure is followed which provides both an efficient extraction and also limits the decomposition of extracted compounds during the process. Traditional methods such as distillation, solvent extraction and cold compression continue to be used but significant improvements can be achieved with the application of either ultrasound or microwave technologies. In this review we will discuss the development of these methods and review the advantages which can be achieved.