Use high dielectric solvents for microwave-assisted extraction

In microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), the heat of microwave radiation reaches the plant material directly without being absorbed by the microwave transparent solvent in which the solid is placed. Meanwhile, most MAE operations use solvents with a high dielectric constant that absorbs microwave energy.

Heating generates a high vapor pressure breaching the cell wall and releasing the echinacea extract into the solvent. The same heat causes the residual moisture in the solid to evaporate.

Echinacea extracts contain 38 taxa of bacteria

Echinacea Purpurea is the only species of the Echinacea plant with the capacity to bolster the immune system in humans. For example, improving the immune system against flu.

This species, known as the purple coneflower, carries 38 different taxa of bacteria in its extracts. These bacteria help the plant’s extracts stimulate macrophages (a type of white blood cell) that strengthen immunity.

However, there is still debate surrounding the differences between Echinacea Angustifolia and Purpurea. Many believe that the Angustifolia contains more effective medicinal properties and thus used for medications, tinctures and herbal extracts. The reason Purpurea is used instead is that it is a lot more common to obtain and also easier to grow.