Purification of flavonoid metal complexes from Alhagi camelorum with calix[4]arene based impregnated resin

Abstract

Calixarenes are well known for their molecular recognition properties. Thus, the present study was carried out to explore their usage in the isolation of flavonoids [i.e. quercetin (I) and catechin (II)] from plant extracts, e.g. Alhagi camelorum through metal complexation. The synthesis of flavonoid metal complexes from plant extracts through direct complexation and their purification by using calix[4]arene based resin (R-1) was carried out simultaneously to ensure the separation efficiency of R-1. It was observed that the direct complexation of flavonoids present in plant extracts and purification using a column loaded with R-1 could be the best choice for industries requiring the isolation and purification of flavonoids or their complexes from plants.