Abstract: | Abstract An aqueous solution based extraction process for andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata leaves has been developed using alkyl benzene sulfonates and carboxylates as hydrotropes. The plant cells are permeabilized by the hydrotrope solutions followed by solubilization of andrographolide into the solutions. The extraction and solubilization of andrographolide is affected by structure and concentration of hydrotrope, temperature and particle size. Sodium cumene sulfonate (Na‐CS) shows the most efficient solubilization of andrographolide amongst the hydrotropes studied. The solubility of andrographolide increased by two orders of magnitude in Na‐CS aqueous solutions and ~96% andrographolide extraction was achieved in just 20 min. |