Comparison of the capabilities of accelerated solvent extraction and sonication as extraction techniques for the quantification of kavalactones in Piper methysticum (Kava) roots by high performance liquid chromatography with ultra violet detection.

A conventional extraction technique of sonication has been compared, in terms of extraction efficiency, extraction time and amount of solvent, with the more novel technique of accelerated solvent extraction for the extraction of kavain from the powdered roots of Piper methysticum (Kava) with acetone. The extracts were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultra violet detection. The effects of varying solvent volume and extraction time upon the quantity of kavain extracted with sonication, and the effects of varying temperature upon the kavain extraction efficiency by ASE, were investigated. ASE was found to be more efficient with respect to time and solvent volume required; however, a good agreement was found between the kavain concentration obtained using both extraction techniques.