Toward a More Sustainable Sample Preparation in Phytochemistry: Case Studies in Four Subclasses of Alkaloids.
Journal of natural products March 22, 2024 Lucas Apolinário Chibli, Bruna Ribeiro de Lima, Ariadne Magalhães Carneiro et al. 4 citations
Alkaloid extraction traditionally relies on hazardous chemicals like HCl and CH₂Cl₂. This work tested whether that practice is justified by superior recovery. In three laboratories, alkaloids harmine, boldine, vincamine, and mescaline were extracted from four medicinal plants. Replacing HCl with citric acid maintained or improved extraction performance. Ethyl acetate could fully replace CH₂Cl₂ in three of four cases and partially in the fourth without loss. The alternative solvents tert-amyl methyl ether and n-butyl acetate also enhanced alkaloid extraction. These findings suggest natural products laboratories can adopt greener solvents and processes, aligning with current pharmaceutical industry practices.