ISOLATION OF SANTONIN FROM ARTEMISIA INCANA KELLER

Two methods for the preparation of santonin from Artemisia incana Keller are described and compared. (1) Sample was extracted with lime water, the aqueous extract after being concentrated and acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid to pH 2 was extracted with benzene. The residue obtained from the benzene solution after passing through an aluminum oxide column and removal of solvent was recrystallized from 15% alcohol. The yield of pure santonin was 83-85%. (2) Instead of extraction with benzene the initial lime water extract was concentrated and acidified with concentrated sulfuric acid to pH 2. After standing for 24 hours, the precipitated crude santonin from the acidic solution was washed successively with 5% sodium carbonate and water. The yield of pure santonin after recrystallization from 15% alcohol was 73-76%. The purity of the product obtained from either method meets the standard of santonin required by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1953).