Optimization of arbutin extraction from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi (bearberry) leaves by using ultrasound method

Arbutin is a naturally occuring glycoside found in many medicinal plants. It is used for treating skin cancer, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, freckless and spots seen in adult skin and as a skin whitening agent. The potential source of arbutin are pear, cranberry, bluberry and bearberry leaves. It is extracted from indicated plants or synthesized chemically. Since the demand for arbutin has increased every last day, there is a continuous search for production method that is capable of producing arbutin of high purity in large amount. The pharmaceutical industry is particularly interested in producing arbutin in the most cost effective and environmentally friendly manner possible. Toxic chemicals, which affect negatively human health and environment, are used in traditional production methods. Usually, the traditional techniques require long extraction time and have low efficiency. There is an increasing demand for new extraction techniques with shortened extraction time, reduced organic solvent consumption, and increased pollution prevention. UAE is an inexpensive, simple and efficient alternative to conventional extraction techniques. As compared with other novel extraction techniques such as microwave-assisted extraction & supercritical fluid extraction techniques, the ultrasound apparatus is cheaper and its operation is easier. In this study, Pear, cranberry, blueberry and bearberry leaves as potential sources of arbutin will be used as research material. Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of arbutin will be made from ground pear, cranberry, blueberry and bearberry leaves. Solvent type, the solvent concentration, the solid / liquid ratio, temperature, pH and time will be optimized. It will be extracted in 500 mg capsules / (20 ml, 30 ml, 40 ml solvent) ratios to determine solid/solvent ratio.It will be extracted at (30 , 50 , 70 0C) to determine optimum temperature of the extraction. It will be extracted at (pH: 1, pH: 7, pH: 13) to determine optimum pH of the extraction. It will be extracted at (30, 60, 90 min) to determine optimum extraction time of the extraction. Optimum extraction conditions will be determined with Design Expert 8 by using results of experimental studies.