Efficient and selective extraction of magnolol from Magnolia officinalis by mechanochemical extraction technique

Mechanochemical extraction technique was explored for efficient and selective extraction of magnolol from Magnolia officinalis. This process was carried out using a high intensive activator, AGO-2. The yield of magnolol via mechanochemical method was maximized under the following conditions: milling with Na2CO3 (2.0 wt%) for 7 min; extraction by water at 40 °C and liquid/solid ratio of 25:1 mL/g for 20 min; precipitation at pH 3.5. The results from scanning electron micrographs, infra-red spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance indicate that mechanochemical action could result in the disruption of cell walls and the transformation of magnolol into a water-soluble salt form with the addition of sodium carbonate. Compared with superfine grinding extraction and heat-reflux extraction, mechanochemical extraction method reduced both extraction time and temperature, and also achieved a higher magnolol yield and content in the crude extracts.