Novel methods to extract flavanones and xanthones from the root bark of Maclura pomifera

A comparison between the extraction yields of xanthones and flavanones from the root bark of the Maclura pomifera by solid-liquid extraction (SLE), matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD), and an alternative method using sea sand as a sample disruptor, is presented here. Two extraction solvents were used for all extraction techniques, dichloromethane and methanol:water, (9:1, v/v). The extraction procedures were reproducible as the R.S.D. values were less than 5% for almost all compounds. A recovery above 80% was obtained for macluraxanthone using the sea sand extraction procedure. Statistical treatment, ANOVA-single factor, was used to evaluate the different extraction procedures, and homogenization of plant material with sand followed by elution with dichloromethane provided the most efficient and rapid extraction method.