Microwave Assisted Extraction of Major Active Ingredients in Panax quinquefolium L

Abstract A detailed procedure to extract ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rc, and ginsenoside Rd from Panax quinquefolium L. was developed by using an obturated microwave assisted extraction (MAE) device with a pressure controlling unit. The compounds were analyzed by HPLC. The major parameters that influence the extraction efficiency were optimized. Ethanol, 50%, 1:40 solid/liquid ratio, 100–140 mesh particle sample size, and 3 min extraction time were chosen. MAE was 60 times more efficient in operation time than that of the Soxhlet extraction, and 20 times more efficient than that of the ultrasonic extraction. The solvent consumption also was greatly reduced. MAE was proven to be a rapid and reliable sample preparation method for ginsenosides.