Elaboration of an express technique for inulin extraction from the roots of elecampane (Inula helenium L.)

Inulin is a natural plant polyfructosan which has a high significance for modern medicine and pharmacy as well as food industry. Existing patented technologies for inulin production are characterized by a low product output and long extraction time. The aim of the research was to develop an express method for the extraction and quantification of inulin from the roots of elecampane (Inula helenium L.). An ultrasonic bath was used in order to speed up the process of extracting biologically active substances, as well as increasing the output of inulin from the roots of elecampane. By varying process conditions, it was possible to determine optimal conditions for the extraction of inulin from elecampane roots during ultrasonic treatment: grinding raw material to 0,5 - 1,0 mm, a temperature of 80 degrees C, extraction rate 3, extraction time 15 min, ultrasound frequency 35 kHz and ratio of raw materials to extractant of 1 g per 15 ml. This method reduced extraction time to 6-7 hours, as well as increased product output by 20,63 +/- 0,36 % in terms of completely dry raw material. A further increase in extraction time under ultrasonic bath conditions leads to the destruction of water-soluble polysaccharides. Also optimal conditions for purification of the polysaccharide complex of elecampane roots for obtaining pure inulin were determined. The technique can be used for express analysis of the quality of elecampane roots, as well as for the industrial production of inulin from this type of raw material.