Kinetic modeling of spice extraction from S. aromaticum and C. cassia

A mathematical model was developed for the extracts obtained from Syzygium aromaticum and Cinnamomum cassia with different particle size, solvent-solid ratios on extraction yield. Different particle sizes in the range of 2.8 mm to <= 0.5 mm were employed and maximum extraction efficiency was achieved with particles of size <= 0.5 mm. Among the solvent-solid ratios (20:1, 30:1, 40:1 and 50:1) ratio of 50:1 showed higher extraction yield. In the extraction kinetics, higher effective diffusivity value of 36.01 x 10(-10) m(2)/s for S. aromaticum and 26.78 x 10(-10) m(2)/s for C cassia were achieved. Antioxidant values were determined and extracts prepared from ethanol showed higher scavenging activities for S. aromaticum and C cassia as 78% and 85% respectively. Maximum phenolic content of 1.6 and 12.4 mg GAE/g of sample were achieved for S. aromaticum and C. cassia by hexane and water respectively. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.