Pressurized CO2 Extraction of Cantharidin from Mylabris for Anticancer Bioactive Component

Abstract

The use of pressurized liquid carbon dioxide to extract cantharidin from Mylabris was investigated. The study resulted in green extraction of bioactive ingredients from the insect, with extraction efficiency of 95% (three repetitions) obtained at a pressure of 1MPa, temperature of 60 degrees C, static extraction time of 30 minutes, and with 4ml of acetonitrile as modifier. In addition to the identification of the extract, i.e., cantharidin, by chromatography, an in vitro assay for the effect of the extract on a cell was performed. The result reveals that cantharidin-extract is effective for primary medicinal use.