The technology for obtaining a thick extract of mountain knotgrass (Aerva lanata)

Abstract

Aim. To substantiate the parameters of the technological process for obtaining a thick extract of mountain knot
grass (Aerva lanata), study the main production stages, and develop a technology for manufacturing the thick extract.
Materials and methods. The study object was dried and crushed Aerva lanata herb harvested during the phase
of active flowering. The raw material met the requirements of the pharmacopoeial monograph: moisture ≤ 12 %, no
impurities, a faint specific odor, and a slightly bitter herbal taste. Before the extraction, the raw material was crushed to
a particle size of 1–3 mm, providing the optimal mass transfer without excessive swelling. Percolation was used as the
primary extraction method. Filtration was carried out through a Nutsch filter. The extract was concentrated in a rotary
evaporator at 50 °C under vacuum. The technological parameters were monitored throughout the process (time, tem
perature, moisture, dry residue content). To ensure the reliability of the results, all experimental measurements were
performed in three parallel repetitions (n = 3). The data obtained were processed using methods of variation statistics,
with the determination of the mean value and standard deviation (M ± SD).
Results. The resulting thick extract of Aerva lanata had a dark-brown color, characteristic odor, and a dense con
sistency. The yield averaged 25 % of the dry raw material mass meeting the requirements of the monograph for thick
extracts of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine. According to literature data, the raw material of Aerva lanata contains
f
lavonoids (rutin, quercetin), saponins, alkaloids, and free potassium salts responsible for its diuretic activity. By its
organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics, the extract obtained meets the requirements of the pharmacopoeial
monograph “Thick Extracts”. The technological parameters have been worked out, and the technological flowchart for
obtaining the final product – a thick extract of Aerva lanata has been developed.
Conclusions. A technology for obtaining a thick extract of mountain knotgrass (Aerva lanata) has been developed;
it involves the raw material preparation, extraction, filtration, and concentration. The results confirm its prospects for
the development of diuretic and nephroprotective drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.