Comparison of the Different Extraction Methods of Flavonoids in Epimedium Koreamum Nakai by HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MSn

Abstract

In the present paper, the flavonoids in Epimedium Koreamum Nakai have been extracted by atmospheric pressure microwave assisted extraction (AMAE), pressurized microwave assisted extraction (PMAE), ultrasonic extraction (UE), and reflux extraction (RE), and the extracts have analyzed by HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MSⁿ. As a result, the four flavonoids in the extracts have been identified as epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, and icariin. Also, the influence of extraction parameters on the extraction yields of epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, and icariin has been evaluated by comparison with the peak areas of HPLC‐DAD spectra in the different extraction methods. The experimental results demonstrate that the advantage of PMAE and AMAE over conventional RE is validated, the extraction time is dramatically reduced, and the yields of flavonoids are effective improved. Although the UE method can be carried out within a short time, the extraction yields of flavonoids are lower compared with other extraction methods.