OPTIMIZATION OF CANNABINOID EXTRACTION CONDITIONS INCLUDING SOLVENT CHOICES USING MICROWAVE AND ULTRASONICATION METHODS

Abstract

Cannabinoid compounds extracted from Cannabis sativa have demonstrated high therapeutic potential. Hence, efficient extraction together with reliable quantitative determination of these compounds is crucial for utilization of hemp extract. This research focuses on the optimal extraction conditions for hemp samples, which involves the comparison of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using ethanol as a primary solvent. The effects of varying parameters such as extraction time, temperature, solvent-to-sample ratio and the ratio of mixed solvents were evaluated to determine their impact on the yield and chemical profile of extracted cannabinoids. The extraction solvents evaluated for UAE and MAE are ethanol, limonene, olive oil, propylene glycol, and glycerol mixed in different volume ratios. The comparison of cannabinoid yields for MAE and UAE under different extraction conditions including the use of solvent mixtures containing various combinations of ethanol, glycerol, propylene glycol, limonene, and olive oil. The solvent mixtures producing the highest MAE yields in cannabidiol (CBD), delta.8-tetrahydrocanabinol (delta.8-THC) and delta.9-tetrahydro-canabinol (delta.9-THC) were further evaluated for UAE yields using the optimized extraction procedures. The comparison of the percent yields of cannabinoid compounds between cannabis flower and cannabis stem was also examined. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate extraction method and conditions to achieve the optimal yield and cannabinoid quality. The profile of cannabinoid compounds extracted using different solvent mixtures that are generally regarded as (GRAS) is discussed.