Extraction of Natural Products Using Microwaves as a Heat Source

Microwave-assisted extraction is the process of using microwave energy to heat the moisture present in the plant material or solvents in contact in order to extract natural products from the plant materials. A typical microwave-assisted extraction is completed within few minutes with higher yield and less solvent consumption. This review gives a brief theoretical background of microwave heating along with the mechanism involved for extraction and influence of parameters is discussed. Finally, a comparison of microwave-assisted extraction with other extraction techniques is given which enables the readers to appreciate microwave-assisted extraction as energy efficient, environment friendly and rapid method available today.