Extraction of Alkaloids

Alkaloids are a huge group of naturally occurring organic compounds which contain nitrogen atom or atoms (amino or amido in some cases) in their structures. Alkaloids usually have complex cyclic structures and exhibit basicity. Natural plants are a significant source of discovering and screening of new alkaloids. The selection and optimization of extraction methods are particularly significant because of the low content of alkaloids in natural plants. There are many extraction methods for alkaloids, while the vast majority of alkaloids are extracted by using the solvent extraction method. The solubility of alkaloids is an important basis for extraction.

Our Alkaloid Extraction Methods

Alfa Chemistry provides alkaloid extraction services for customers. We will find the best extraction method based on the nature of alkaloids, solubility, and various extraction principles. Our alkaloid extraction methods include but are not limited to the following.

• Stas-Otto method

This is a method of extracting alkaloids from plants and animal bodies. The method is based on the distribution of alkaloids between acids or aqueous solutions and immiscible organic solvent. The process flow regarding this method is described below. First, the powder material is moistened with water and mixed with lime, which combined with acids, tannins and other phenolic substances and set free alkaloids (if they exist in the plant as salts). Extraction is then carried out with organic solvent such as ether or petroleum spirit. The concentrated organic liquid is then shaken with aqueous acid and allowed and to separate. Ultimately, the alkaloidal salt is in the aqueous liquid, while many impurities remain behind in the organic liquid.

Figure 1. Process flow for the extraction of alkaloids by the Stas-Otto method

• Plant sample extracted with water or alcohol

The process flow of the method is described below. First, the powder material is extracted with water or aqueous alcohol containing dilute acid. Pigment and unsaturated materials are removed by shaking with chloroform or other organic solvents. Then shake with acid to form a salt of alkaloid in the aqueous layer. The aqueous layer is then treated with ammonia to get freed alkaloid which is separated with organic solvents. When evaporated to dryness, a residue of the alkaloid extract is formed.

Figure 2. Process flow for the extraction of alkaloids with water or alcohol

• Other extraction methods

In addition to the above alkaloid extraction methods, Alfa Chemistry also offers other extraction methods, including reflux method, supercritical fluid extraction, supersonic extraction, microwave extraction and membrane extraction.

Service Process

Why Choose Us

• We have strong professional capabilities and have been working on alkaloid extraction for many years.
• We have a reliable instrumentation platform to ensure standardization of experimental practices.
• We provide one-stop technical services to solve your project challenges.
• We will regularly update our alkaloid extraction services and insist on bringing the latest technology to our customers.
• We provide customers with the most comprehensive services at the most favorable price, and help customers save scientific research funds reasonably.

Alfa Chemistry provides professional alkaloid extraction services to meet customer needs. If you want to know more about the service, please contact us immediately. Alfa Chemistry is always your project partner.