Effective Recovery of Polymethoxyflavonoids by Multi-stage Extraction of Citrus depressa

Abstract

To effectively recover polymethoxyflavonoids (PMFs) from Citrus depressa fruits, different types of extractors were combined in two types of multi-stage extraction systems. The 2-stage extraction system utilized the caterpillar and twin-screw presses, and the 3-stage extraction system utilized the caterpillar, roller, and twin-screw presses. Material balance and distribution of PMFs, extraction rate, and electric power consumption of each stage and total system were evaluated. Compared with single extraction, multi-stage extraction improved the efficiency of PMF recovery in the juice from the fruit; there was no significant difference between the 2- and 3-stage extraction systems. More than 30% of the PMF content was recovered in the juice by these systems. The multi-stage extraction system for Citrus depressa allows production of second- and third-stage juices which contain higher concentration of PMFs and reduction of extraction residue.