The efficiencies of triterpenoid saponins transferring
into various solvents from the dried Ganoderma atrum by
five alternative extraction techniques were compared.
MAE was found to be the most efficient method for the
extraction of triterpenoid saponins from Ganoderma atrum,
which was verified by the experimental results presented in
this study. Compared with the other techniques such as
shaking extraction, heat reflux extraction, ultrasonic
extraction and SFE, the MAE method employed provides
high extraction efficiency in short time, and is less intensive
in labor. Therefore, MAE is an alternative extraction technique
for fast extraction of triterpenoid saponins from
Ganoderma atrum. By studying the effects of various factors
on extraction, optimal conditions of MAE of triterpenoid
saponins from Ganoderma atrum could be concluded with
the best solvent of 95% ethanol, the ratio of solvent to
material of 25, duration of microwave radiation of 5 min,
and the extraction temperature of 90 C. The results are
considered useful for developing large-scale efficient extraction
of triterpenoid saponins from Ganoderma atrum. The
applicability of microwave energy to the extraction of other
phytochemicals from tissue of other medicinal plants is also
expected.