The influence of the extraction method on the content of silymarin in Silybi mariani fructus extract

This study was aimed to compare the efficiency of silymarin extraction from Silybi mariani fructus using different extraction methods. Maceration, percolation, extraction in a water bath, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction have been performed with 60% ethanol. Extracts were analyzed using UV/Vis and HPLC techniques. Our results showed that the highest concentration of silymarin was detected in samples extracted in a water bath with boiling solvent during 30 and 60 minutes (2.33 and 1.95 %, respectively). Since extraction in a water bath is efficient and reduces a lot of time and solvent consumption, this method could present potential replacement for Pharmacopoeia-recommended Soxhlet extraction procedure.