Extraction process optimization of tylophorine from Tylophora asthmatica Wight & Arn.

Tylophora asthmatica (Synonym- Tylophora indica; family Asclepiadaceae) is a popular traditional remedy for respiratory disorders. The plant contains phenanthroindolizidine type of alkaloids like tylophorine and tylophorinine. The present study was designed to optimize extraction process of tylophorine from T. asthmatica leaves. A series of extraction experiments were carried out using different solvents like 95% alcohol, 2% sulphuric acid solution, chloroform, defatting with petroleum ether then extraction with 95% alcohol, 95% alcohol with different concentrations of glacial acetic acid (1%, 2%, 5% & 10%) and citric acid (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2% & 5%). Maceration method was used for extraction. From all these experiments the extracts obtained were concentrated, purified by acid-base purification technique and tylophorine content was determined. The pure tylophorine fraction was analyzed by HPLC method. Results of the above study show that extraction with 95% alcohol containing 2% citric acid was most effective in terms of higher yield of tylophorine and economy. Hence this method may be used commercially for extraction of tylophorine.