Extraction of Saponin from Camellia oleifera Abel Cake by a Combination Method of Alkali Solution and Acid Isolation

Saponin 15%20% content in the seed cake of camellia oleifera abel,from which camellia oil is squeezed,is a natural nonionic surface active agent and is extensively applied to emulsification,humectation,foaming,medicine,pesticide,and so on. in this paper,the extraction process of saponin was researched through a combining method of alkali solution and acid isolation. a quantitative method for saponin was established by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. the influence of extraction factors was investigated by a single-factor test and a response surface methodology. the results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions of saponin were extraction temperature 68°c,alkali solution ph 9.1,acid isolation ph 4.1,and liquid-solid ratio 15.9: 1. the extraction rate of saponin was 76.12% at the optimal extraction conditions. © 2016 yongjun liu et al.