Microwave assisted extraction of betulin from birch outer bark†
Rui Ferreira,Helga Garcia,Carmen S. R. Freire,Armando J. D. Silvestre,Werner Kunz,Luís Paulo N. Rebelo,Cristina Silva Pereira
RSC Advances Pub Date : 09/11/2013 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/C3RA43868F
Abstract

In this communication, we report a new method for the isolation of betulin, a triterpenoid with interesting pharmacological activities, from birch outer bark. Remarkably high purity betulin raw extracts were obtained, ca. 95 wt%, through microwave assisted extraction with limonene. This saves time and energy when compared to the conventional methods.

Graphical abstract: Microwave assisted extraction of betulin from birch outer bark