| abstract |
A process for the extraction and purification of Paclitaxel from a natural source of taxanes, comprising extracting Paclitaxel with an organic solvent from a natural source of taxanes, and treating the raw material with a base or an acid to obtain a biomass by precipitation. The biomass is isolated and dried, and resin and natural pigments are removed. The biomass is then dissolved in acetone and at least one non-polar solvent is added, until a Paclitaxel-enriched oily phase is obtained. The Paclitaxel-enriched oily phase is then treated with a base or an acid to obtain a second biomass, which is recovered by precipitation and dried. A solution of the second biomass in a volatile solvent is chromatographically purified at least once and crystallized. |