Efficient preparation of icariin from epimedin C by recyclable biphasic enzymatic hydrolysis

Abstract

Icariin is the most bioactive ingredient of Epimedium L. and a quality marker of Herba Epimedii. Conventional methods for production of Icariin exhibit very low efficiency with poor yield and serious pollution. This study aimed to establish an efficient and recyclable biphasic enzymatic hydrolysis system for the efficient conversion of epimedin C to icariin. The biphasic system was constructed with butyl acetate and phosphate buffer (pH 4.5) (3:1, V/V) containing α-L-rhamnosidase/epimedin C (2U/1 mg) at 50°C for 12 h. Consequently, 98.21% of epimedin C was hydrolysed to icariin, and 95.62% of the product was transferred into the organic phase. Moreover, the conversion ratio reached 75.28% even after the enzyme solution was used for four cycles. Additionally, this novel strategy was also used for the conversion of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. extracts. The biphasic system is clean and efficient approach for the preparation of icariin, and provides a scientific basis for industrial applications.