How to make powder with Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract.

1. Introduction

Salvia miltiorrhiza, also known as Danshen in Chinese, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The root extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as tanshinones and salvianolic acids, which possess multiple pharmacological effects including anti - inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective activities. Converting the Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract into powder form can not only preserve its active ingredients but also make it more convenient for various applications, such as in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

2. Raw material selection

2.1 Quality of Salvia miltiorrhiza roots

• When selecting Salvia miltiorrhiza roots, it is crucial to ensure their high quality. High - quality roots are usually thick, with a smooth surface and a rich reddish - brown color.
• They should be free from mold, pests, and other contaminants. Roots collected from a clean and unpolluted growing environment are preferred.

• Different origins and varieties of Salvia miltiorrhiza may have variations in the content of active ingredients. For example, Salvia miltiorrhiza from certain regions may have a higher content of tanshinones.
• It is advisable to choose the variety and origin based on the specific requirements of the end - product. If the target is to obtain a higher content of salvianolic acids, relevant research on different origins and varieties should be conducted beforehand.

3. Extraction methods

3.1 Solvent extraction

• 3.1.1 Ethanol extraction
  1. Crush the Salvia miltiorrhiza roots into small pieces or powder. This increases the surface area for better extraction.
  2. Soak the crushed roots in ethanol. The ratio of roots to ethanol can be adjusted according to the desired concentration. Commonly, a ratio of 1:5 - 1:10 (w/v) can be used.
  3. Place the mixture in a sealed container and let it stand at room temperature for a certain period, usually 24 - 72 hours. During this time, the active ingredients in the roots will gradually dissolve in the ethanol.
  4. After the soaking period, filter the mixture to separate the liquid extract from the solid residues. Filter papers or a filtration device can be used for this purpose.
• 3.1.2 Water extraction
  1. Similar to ethanol extraction, first crush the Salvia miltiorrhiza roots.
  2. Add water to the crushed roots. The amount of water should be sufficient to cover the roots completely. A ratio of 1:10 - 1:15 (w/v) can be considered.
  3. Heat the mixture. The extraction can be carried out under reflux conditions. For example, heat the mixture to boiling and then keep it at a gentle boil for 1 - 3 hours.
  4. After heating, cool the mixture and then filter it to obtain the water - based extract.

• Supercritical fluid extraction uses a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), as the extraction solvent. CO₂ in a supercritical state has properties between a gas and a liquid, which enables it to penetrate into the matrix of Salvia miltiorrhiza roots effectively.
• The extraction process is usually carried out in a high - pressure extraction apparatus. The pressure, temperature, and flow rate of the supercritical fluid need to be carefully controlled. For example, the pressure can be set between 10 - 30 MPa, and the temperature can be in the range of 35 - 60°C.
• Supercritical fluid extraction has several advantages, such as high extraction efficiency, selectivity for specific compounds, and no residue of organic solvents in the extract.

4. Conversion to powder form

4.1 Evaporation and drying

• 4.1.1 Rotary evaporation
  1. If the extract is obtained by solvent extraction, especially ethanol extraction, rotary evaporation can be used to remove the solvent. Pour the extract into a rotary evaporator flask.
  2. Set the appropriate temperature and rotation speed. The temperature should be adjusted according to the boiling point of the solvent. For ethanol, a temperature of around 40 - 60°C is usually suitable.
  3. As the flask rotates, the solvent will gradually evaporate under reduced pressure. The evaporated solvent can be condensed and collected for reuse.
• 4.1.2 Spray drying
  1. Spray drying is a widely used method for converting liquid extracts into powder. The extract is first pumped into a spray dryer.
  2. Hot air is introduced into the spray dryer. The temperature of the hot air can be adjusted according to the properties of the extract. Generally, the inlet temperature can be set between 150 - 200°C, and the outlet temperature can be around 80 - 100°C.
  3. The liquid extract is sprayed into fine droplets through a nozzle. As the droplets come into contact with the hot air, the solvent in the droplets evaporates rapidly, leaving behind dry powder particles.
• 4.1.3 Freeze - drying
  1. Freeze - drying, also known as lyophilization, is suitable for extracts that are sensitive to heat. First, freeze the extract in a freeze - dryer.
  2. Then, under reduced pressure, the ice in the frozen extract sublimes directly from the solid state to the gas state, leaving behind the dry powder.
  3. Freeze - drying can better preserve the biological activity of the active ingredients in the extract, but it is a relatively time - consuming and expensive process.

• After the extract has been dried into a solid form, it may need to be milled into a fine powder. A mortar and pestle or a mechanical grinder can be used for milling.
• Once milled, the powder should be sieved to obtain a uniform particle size. Sieves with different mesh sizes can be used depending on the required fineness of the powder. For example, a 100 - mesh sieve can be used to obtain a relatively fine powder.

5. Benefits and applications of Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract powder

5.1 Pharmaceutical applications

• Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract powder has been used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The tanshinones and salvianolic acids in the powder can help improve blood circulation, reduce blood lipid levels, and prevent thrombosis.
• It also has potential applications in anti - inflammatory drugs. The anti - inflammatory properties of the extract can be utilized to develop new drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

• In the cosmetic industry, Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract powder can be added to skincare products. Its antioxidant properties can help protect the skin from free - radical damage, delay skin aging, and improve skin complexion.
• It can also be used in haircare products. For example, it may help improve scalp health and promote hair growth.

• As a natural ingredient, Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract powder can be added to functional foods. It can enhance the nutritional value of foods and provide certain health - promoting effects, such as antioxidant and cardioprotective functions.
• However, in food applications, strict regulations need to be followed regarding the dosage and safety of the added extract powder.

6. Conclusion

Making powder from Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract involves multiple steps from raw material selection to extraction and conversion to powder form. Each step is crucial for obtaining high - quality powder with preserved bioactive compounds. The resulting Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract powder has diverse applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, offering great potential for further development and utilization.

FAQ:

1. What are the key factors in raw material selection for Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract?

The key factors in raw material selection for Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract include the origin of the Salvia miltiorrhiza. Roots from regions with suitable soil and climate conditions are often preferred as they may have better quality. The age of the plant also matters; generally, appropriately aged roots are more likely to contain higher levels of active ingredients. Additionally, the harvesting time should be carefully considered. Harvesting at the right time ensures the maximum content of the desired components in the roots.

2. What are the common extraction methods for Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract?

Common extraction methods for Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract include solvent extraction. Ethanol is a frequently used solvent as it can effectively dissolve the active ingredients in the Salvia miltiorrhiza root. Another method is supercritical fluid extraction, which uses supercritical carbon dioxide. This method has the advantages of being clean, efficient, and can better preserve the bioactivity of the extract. Maceration is also a traditional method, where the roots are soaked in a solvent for a certain period to extract the active substances.

3. How is Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract converted into powder form?

To convert Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract into powder form, one common method is spray - drying. In this process, the extract is sprayed into a hot drying chamber, where the solvent evaporates rapidly, leaving behind the dry powder. Another approach is freeze - drying. The extract is frozen first, and then the ice is sublimated under vacuum conditions, resulting in a fine powder. Vacuum drying can also be used. The extract is placed in a vacuum environment and dried at a suitable temperature until it turns into powder.

4. What are the main benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract powder?

Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract powder has several main benefits. It has potential cardiovascular benefits, such as improving blood circulation. It may also have antioxidant properties, which can help in reducing oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, it has been studied for its anti - inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial in treating various inflammatory conditions. Some research also suggests that it may play a role in improving cognitive function.

5. What are the applications of Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract powder?

Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract powder has diverse applications. In the pharmaceutical field, it can be used as an ingredient in medications for cardiovascular diseases, due to its blood - circulation - improving properties. In the cosmetic industry, it may be added to skincare products because of its antioxidant and anti - inflammatory effects, which can help in maintaining skin health. It also has potential applications in the field of traditional medicine, where it is used for various health - promoting purposes.

Related literature

• The Pharmacological Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza Root Extract: A Review"
• "Optimization of Extraction Process for Salvia miltiorrhiza Root and Its Application"
• "Salvia miltiorrhiza Root Extract Powder: Preparation and Biomedical Applications"