Luk KF[1], Ko KM[2], Ng KM[3].
[1] Bioengineering Graduate Program, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong.
[2] Department of Biochemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong.
[3] Department of Chemical Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong.
Schisandrin B (Sch B) is the most abundant and biologically active dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan present in Fructus Schisandrae (FS). It is a highly desirable ingredient for a dietary supplement. While Sch B has been isolated from FS in the laboratory, the experimental procedure was usually lengthy and the yield was relatively low. The objective of this study is to develop a process that is amenable to large-scale recovery of Sch B from FS. The process starts with solid–liquid extraction of FS by petroleum ether to yield a Sch B-containing extract, which is then purified by removing the relatively nonpolar substances, mostly fatty oils, by an adsorption–desorption step. This is followed by a chromatographic process to isolate the Sch B-enriched fraction that is then used to yield Sch B by crystallization.