Micelle-mediated extraction and cloud point preconcentration of bergenin from Ardisia japonica

This study investigated the use of micelle-mediated extraction of bergenin from Ardisia japonica and cloud point preconcentration of the extract. The non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114 was chosen as extraction solvent. Various experimental conditions were investigated to evaluate and optimize the extraction and preconcentration process. The highest yield was obtained with 7% (v/v) aqueous Triton X-114 solution at pH of 7, liquid/solid ratio of 100:1 (mL/g) and ultrasonic for 30 min. In addition, the cloud point preconcentration was optimized under the condition of 25% (m/v) sodium chloride and equilibration at 70 °C for 10 min. The extract obtained was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Finally, the method was successfully applied to separate and determine bergenin in Ardisia japonica obtained from different producing areas. The result obtained by this method was compared with that obtained by methanol extraction mentioned in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The results indicated that all the extraction yields of bergenin obtained by micelle extraction were higher than those obtained by methanol extraction. Moreover, the proposed technique consumed less toxic organic solvent compared with traditional methods and was able to concentrate bergenin.