Extraction of Limonin from Orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco) Seeds by the Flash Extraction Method

A flash extraction method was investigated for mass production of limonin from orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco) seeds. The limonin was extracted by using flash extraction for 2 min. The extraction conditions optimized by response surface methodology were as follows: ethanol concentration, 72% (v/v); solvent/solid ratio, 29:1 mL/g; rotational speed, 4000 r/min. The limonin was crystallized from the mixed solution of dichloromethane and isopropanol (1:3) at 4 oC for 1 h. The limonin crystals were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and from their infrared spectrum (IR). The purity of limonin was 95%, the yield of limonin was 6.8 mg/g and the recovery yield of limonin was 97.1%. Thus, flash extraction is an efficient method for the mass production of limonin.