Separation of major catechins from green tea by ultrahigh pressure extraction

This study presents a novel extraction technique, ultrahigh pressure extraction, to obtain major catechins from green tea leaves. The effects of various high pressure level (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 MPa) on the extract are examined. HPLC chromatographic analyses determine the concentration of four major catechins and caffeine. The extraction yields of active ingredients with ultrahigh pressure extraction (400 MPa pressure) for only 15 min were given the same as those of organic solvent extraction for 2 h. These excellent results for the ultrahigh pressure extraction are promising for the future separation of active ingredients from traditional Chinese herbal medicine. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.