In the development of TCM preparations, the extraction efficiency of active ingredients has always been a key bottleneck restricting industry upgrades. Traditional extraction processes often rely on prolonged decoction and high-temperature reflux, consuming significant energy and time, and failing to fully release the active ingredients in the herbs. The emergence of ultrasonic extraction technology has completely changed this situation. Its extraction rate for core components such as alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids is significantly increased by more than 50% compared to traditional processes, injecting strong momentum into the modernization of TCM.
The core advantage of ultrasonic extraction stems from its unique mechanism of action. This technology utilizes the cavitation effect, mechanical vibration, and thermal effect generated by ultrasound to form countless tiny bubbles in a liquid medium. The enormous energy released when these bubbles burst instantly can rapidly destroy the cell wall structure of the herbs, allowing the active ingredients to fully dissolve from within the cells. Compared to the heat conduction and diffusion relied upon by traditional processes, the physical action of ultrasound is more direct and efficient.
It avoids the damage of heat-sensitive components to high temperatures and greatly shortens the extraction time, typically reducing the extraction cycle from several hours to tens of minutes, significantly improving production efficiency. For alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids, which possess significant medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine, ultrasonic extraction exhibits particularly outstanding extraction effects. Alkaloids, as core active ingredients in many TCMs, possess various pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Traditional processes struggle to fully extract them due to cell wall barriers, while the cavitation effect of ultrasound can directly penetrate cell walls, resulting in a qualitative leap in extraction rates. Saponins, widely found in herbs such as ginseng and licorice, have lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects. Their complex molecular structures make traditional extraction susceptible to insufficient solvent wetting; the mechanical stirring effect of ultrasound increases the contact area between the solvent and the herb, improving dissolution efficiency. Flavonoids, as natural antioxidants, are crucial for cardiovascular health. Ultrasonic extraction allows for rapid extraction at low temperatures, effectively preserving their bioactivity and avoiding component degradation caused by traditional high-temperature extraction.
The application of ultrasonic extraction technology not only improves the extraction rate of effective components from TCMs but also promotes the green transformation of the TCM preparation industry. This technology eliminates the need for large amounts of chemical reagents, reducing solvent usage by 30%-50%. Furthermore, the extraction process is energy-efficient and low-polluting, aligning with the principles of green pharmaceutical development. Simultaneously, the increased extraction rate means that formulations with the same efficacy require less raw material, lowering production costs and alleviating the pressure on scarce traditional Chinese medicine resources, thus providing strong support for the sustainable development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry.
With the accelerating modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, ultrasonic extraction technology is gradually replacing traditional extraction processes and is widely used in the production of traditional Chinese medicine preparations. From the enrichment of effective components in processed medicinal herbs to the industrial production of prepared Chinese medicines, this technology, with its advantages of high efficiency, energy saving, and environmental friendliness, continuously optimizes production processes and improves product quality. In the future, with further technological iterations and upgrades, ultrasonic extraction will be deeply integrated with other advanced technologies, providing broader possibilities for the precise extraction of effective components from traditional Chinese medicine, helping the traditional Chinese medicine industry innovate while preserving its heritage, and develop through innovation, showcasing the unique charm and modern value of traditional Chinese medicine to the world.
