本研究利用濃度梯度概念，針對四物中草藥複方進行萃取製程設計，在不改變傳統萃取設備及最終醇水 濃度以及增加額外成本下，利用濃度梯度方式進行萃取。結果顯示，於萃取過程中調控醇水比例，相對於傳 統70%酒精萃取製程，可將四物中指標成份，如芍藥苷 (paeoniflorin)、阿魏酸 (ferulic acid) 及梓醇 (catalpol) 之萃 取率分別提昇21.6%、44%及96.6%，且同時提昇萃取物之總多酚含量及抗氧化能力。本研究並成功以中間工廠 型設備進行製程放大，顯示濃度梯度製程應具有量產應用之可行性。

This study developed a concentration-gradient extraction method (CGEM) for the Chinese herbal complex Si-Wu, and compared with the extraction efficiency of CGEM with that of the conventional extraction method (CEM). Instead of 70% ethanol solution used as the extractant in CEM, the concentration of ethanol solution in CGEM was increased from 0% to 70% during the extraction period. The results showed that the extraction efficiencies of CGEM for paeoniflorin, ferulic acid and catalpol increased by 21.6%, 44% and 96.6%, respectively, as compared with those of CEM in the same operation parameters without any additional cost. Meanwhile, the content of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of extracts from Si-Wu with CGEM also increased. The potential of applying CGEM in pilot-plant scale was also demonstrated in this study.