ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Euphorbia antisyphilitica residues as a new source of ellagic acid

Juan A. Ascacio-Valdés, Antonio Aguilera-Carbó, José L. Martínez-Hernández, Raúl Rodríguez-Herrera, and Cristóbal N. Aguilar

Food Science and Technology Department, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Blvd. Venustiano Carranza. Col. República, 25280 Saltillo, Coahuila, México

E-mail: cristobal.aguilar@mail.uadec.mx

Received: 27 October 2009  Revised: 2 February 2010  Accepted: 9 February 2010

Abstract: In this study, a new source of ellagic acid (EA) is reported. Euphorbia antisyphilitica or “candelilla” was used to extract phenolic dilactone. Cereous layers and fibrous tissue were analyzed. A completely randomized experimental design with a treatment factorial arrangement was employed. The factors considered were: plant/extracting agent ratio, extraction temperature and time. Candelilla wax does not contain EA. Temperature and the ratio plant/extracting agent were determinant during the EA extraction process. Around 20 mg of free EA per gram of fibrous tissue were found. Residues of candelilla are a good source of EA.

Keywords: Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc - candelilla - extraction - ellagic acid

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.2478/s11696-010-0034-6

Chemical Papers 64 (4) 528–532 (2010)