How to extract calendula extract from plants?

Related Product

Calendula Extract

We are the leading calendula extract manufacturer and also the leading supplier and exporter of calendula extract. We specialize in providing natural and organic calendula extract to meet your needs.

1. Introduction

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cosmetics. Calendula Extract is rich in various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids, which endow it with anti - inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Extracting Calendula Extract from the plant is a process that combines botanical knowledge with appropriate extraction techniques. This article will explore both traditional and modern methods of extraction, taking into account the unique properties of the calendula plant.

2. The Unique Plant Properties of Calendula Relevant to Extraction

2.1 Chemical Composition

Calendula contains a diverse range of chemical constituents. Flavonoids like Quercetin and kaempferol are present, which are known for their antioxidant activities. Triterpenoids, such as faradiol and arnidiol, contribute to the anti - inflammatory properties of calendula. These compounds are not evenly distributed throughout the plant but are concentrated in certain parts, mainly the flowers. This means that when extracting Calendula Extract, the choice of plant part is crucial. For the highest concentration of bioactive compounds, the flowers are typically the preferred part for extraction.

2.2 Physical Structure

The physical structure of calendula flowers also affects the extraction process. The flowers have a relatively soft and porous structure. This allows solvents to penetrate easily during extraction. However, they also contain waxy substances on their surface which can sometimes impede the extraction process if not properly addressed. For example, if a water - based extraction method is used, the waxy layer may prevent complete penetration of water into the flower tissues, reducing the efficiency of extraction.

3. Traditional Extraction Methods

3.1 Infusion

Infusion is one of the simplest and oldest methods of extracting calendula extract.

• First, fresh or dried calendula flowers are gently crushed to break open some of the cells and release the internal compounds.
• Then, a measured amount of the crushed flowers is placed in a container. Hot water, usually at a temperature between 60 - 80°C, is poured over the flowers. The ratio of flowers to water can vary, but a common ratio is about 1:10 (1 part of calendula flowers to 10 parts of water).
• The mixture is then left to steep for a period of time, usually 15 - 30 minutes. During this time, the hot water acts as a solvent, dissolving the water - soluble compounds in the calendula flowers, such as flavonoids and some of the polysaccharides.
• Finally, the liquid is strained through a fine - meshed sieve or cheesecloth to separate the solid plant material from the extract. The resulting liquid is the calendula infusion, which can be used directly for various applications such as in herbal teas or as a topical rinse.

3.2 Maceration

Maceration is a more time - consuming but effective traditional extraction method.

1. Fresh or dried calendula flowers are placed in a glass or ceramic container. A suitable solvent, which can be either vegetable oil (such as olive oil) or alcohol (such as vodka), is added to the container. The ratio of plant material to solvent is typically around 1:3 or 1:4.
2. The container is then sealed tightly to prevent evaporation of the solvent. It is left to stand at room temperature for a period of time, which can range from several days to a few weeks. For example, if using olive oil as the solvent, it may be left to macerate for about 2 - 3 weeks. During this time, the solvent gradually penetrates the plant material, dissolving the bioactive compounds.
3. After the maceration period, the mixture is strained through a filter, such as a coffee filter or a fine - meshed sieve, to separate the plant residue from the solvent - containing the extract. The resulting extract can be stored in a dark, cool place for future use. Macerated calendula oil can be used in skincare products, while calendula tincture (if alcohol was used as the solvent) can be used in herbal medicine preparations.

4. Modern Extraction Methods

4.1 Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE)

Supercritical fluid extraction is a relatively new and advanced technique for extracting calendula extract.

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most commonly used supercritical fluid in this process. CO₂ is heated and pressurized to a state where it has the properties of both a liquid and a gas, known as the supercritical state. In this state, CO₂ has a high diffusivity, which allows it to penetrate the calendula plant material quickly and effectively.
• The calendula flowers are placed in an extraction vessel. The supercritical CO₂ is then passed through the vessel. The pressure and temperature are carefully controlled during the extraction process. For example, the typical pressure range is 8 - 50 MPa, and the temperature can be around 31 - 80°C.
• The supercritical CO₂ selectively extracts the bioactive compounds from the calendula flowers. Since CO₂ is a non - polar solvent, it is particularly effective at extracting non - polar compounds such as terpenoids and some flavonoids. After the extraction, the pressure is reduced, and the CO₂ returns to its gaseous state, leaving behind the pure calendula extract.
• One of the main advantages of supercritical fluid extraction is that it is a clean and environmentally friendly process. It does not leave behind any harmful residues in the extract, and the CO₂ can be recycled for further use.

4.2 Microwave - Assisted Extraction (MAE)

Microwave - assisted extraction is another modern method that has gained popularity in recent years.

• The calendula flowers are placed in a suitable solvent, such as ethanol or water, in a microwave - safe container. The solvent - to - plant material ratio is optimized depending on the desired concentration of the extract. For example, a ratio of 10:1 (solvent to plant material) may be used.
• The container is then placed in a microwave oven. The microwave radiation is applied for a short period of time, usually in the range of 1 - 10 minutes. The microwaves cause the molecules in the solvent and the plant material to vibrate rapidly, which increases the temperature and pressure inside the container. This rapid heating helps to break down the cell walls of the calendula flowers more quickly, allowing the solvent to access and dissolve the bioactive compounds more efficiently.
• After the microwave treatment, the mixture is cooled and then filtered to separate the extract from the plant debris. The resulting extract can be further purified or concentrated if needed. MAE has the advantage of being a relatively fast extraction method compared to traditional methods, while still maintaining a relatively high yield of bioactive compounds.

5. Potential Benefits of Calendula Extract

5.1 In Skincare

Calendula extract has numerous benefits in skincare.

• Its anti - inflammatory properties make it suitable for treating various skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. The triterpenoids in calendula can reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with these skin disorders.
• As an antioxidant, calendula extract helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are generated by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution, and they can accelerate skin aging. By neutralizing these free radicals, calendula extract can help to keep the skin looking youthful and healthy.
• Calendula extract is also known for its moisturizing properties. It can help to hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and supple. This makes it a valuable ingredient in many moisturizers, creams, and lotions.

5.2 In Herbal Medicine

In herbal medicine, calendula extract has been used for a variety of purposes.

• It has been used as a digestive aid. Calendula can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which helps in the proper digestion of food. It may also help to soothe an irritated digestive tract, reducing symptoms such as stomach pain and indigestion.
• Calendula extract has antimicrobial properties, which make it useful in treating infections. It can be used topically to treat minor cuts, wounds, and burns. The antimicrobial compounds in calendula can prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on the affected area, promoting faster healing.
• Some traditional medicine systems also use calendula extract for its immune - modulating properties. It is believed to help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to diseases.

6. Conclusion

Extracting calendula extract from plants involves a range of methods, from traditional infusion and maceration to modern supercritical fluid extraction and microwave - assisted extraction. The choice of method depends on various factors such as the desired end - product, the scale of production, and the available resources. Understanding the unique properties of calendula plants is crucial in optimizing the extraction process to obtain a high - quality extract. The potential benefits of calendula extract in skincare and herbal medicine make it a valuable natural product worthy of further study and development.

FAQ:

What are the traditional methods for extracting calendula extract?

Traditional methods for extracting calendula extract often include maceration and decoction. Maceration involves soaking the calendula plant parts (such as the flowers) in a solvent, like oil or alcohol, for a period of time, usually days to weeks. This allows the active compounds in the plant to dissolve into the solvent. Decoction is another traditional approach where the plant material is boiled in water for a certain time, and then the resulting liquid is collected. The boiled liquid contains the extracted substances from the calendula.

What are the modern extraction methods for calendula extract?

Modern extraction methods for calendula extract include techniques like supercritical fluid extraction. In supercritical fluid extraction, a supercritical fluid (commonly carbon dioxide) is used as the solvent. The supercritical state has properties between a gas and a liquid, allowing it to penetrate the plant material effectively and extract the desired compounds. Another modern method is ultrasonic - assisted extraction. Ultrasonic waves are applied during the extraction process, which helps in breaking down the plant cell walls more efficiently, facilitating the release of the active components into the solvent.

How do calendula's unique plant properties affect the extraction process?

Calendula has certain unique plant properties that influence the extraction process. For example, the waxy cuticle on the surface of calendula flowers can make it a bit difficult for solvents to penetrate initially. However, its relatively soft tissue compared to some other plants means that with appropriate extraction techniques, the active compounds can be relatively easily released. The presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids, and other bioactive compounds in calendula also affects extraction. These compounds have different solubilities in various solvents, so the choice of solvent is crucial to ensure effective extraction of the desired components.

What are the potential benefits of calendula extract?

Calendula extract has several potential benefits. It has anti - inflammatory properties, which can be useful for treating skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. It also has antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage. In addition, calendula extract may have antimicrobial effects, which can be beneficial in wound healing as it can prevent infections. Some studies suggest that it may also have anti - cancer properties, although more research is needed in this area.

What solvents are commonly used in calendula extraction?

Common solvents used in calendula extraction include alcohol (such as ethanol), oils (like olive oil), and water. Ethanol is a popular solvent as it can dissolve a wide range of the active compounds present in calendula. Olive oil is often used in traditional or natural extraction methods, especially for making topical preparations. Water is used in decoction methods, and while it may not extract all the compounds as effectively as some other solvents, it can still extract certain water - soluble components of calendula.

Related literature

• Extraction Techniques of Calendula officinalis: A Review"
• "The Bioactive Compounds of Calendula and Their Extraction Methods"
• "Calendula Extract: Properties, Extraction, and Potential Applications"

TAGS: