No abstract

No abstract

As per the mixed solvency concept (proposed by Dr.  R.K.  Maheshwari), each and every substance present on the earth has got solubilizing property i.e. all the liquids, gases and solids possess solubilizing power. In the mixed solvency concept, each substance is a solubilizer. We know that all the liquids (matter in liquid state at room temperature) are known as solvents. No solvent is universal solvent. We can say that all the solvents are good solvents for some solutes and bad solvents for other solutes. Similarly, all gases and solids have good solubilizing power for some solutes and bad solubilizing power for other solutes. Organic solvents have innumerous adverse effects. Such organic solvents should be replaced by other eco-friendly alternative sources. The main objective of this research work is to provide a novel idea to the researchers that solids can also be employed for extraction of active constituents from powders of roots, leaves, seeds, fruits, bark of plants etc. In the present investigation, sesame oil has been extracted  from powdered seeds of sesame using solubilizing powers of two solids, thymol and menthol using different methods. Melted thymol (temperature about 50°C), melted menthol (temperature  about  45°C) were observed to have very good solubility for sesame oil. Therefore, they were used for extraction of sesame oil. Ethanol was found to be bad solvent for sesame oil. Thymol and menthol improved the solubility of sesame oil in ethanol and helped in extraction. Thymol and menthol are easily removed at  about 80°C. Organic solvents are removed from extracts by suitable methods like heating, vacuum distillation etc. These solids (menthol and thymol) are also removable. Also, they can be recollected using suitable methods for recycling purposes. Keywords:  Extraction, mixed solvency concept, sesame oil, menthol, thymol, eutectic liquid, solubilizer