Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction for Pinocembrin from Flos populi Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used for extraction of pinocembrin from Flos populi. Based on the results of the single-factor experiment, four independent parameters, including ethanol concentration (40–80 %), extraction temperature (50–70 °C), extraction time (25–45 min) and electrical acoustic intensity (40.8–81.5 W/m2) were further investigated using response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with Box-Behnken design. The experimental data were fitted to the quadratic response surface model using multiple regression analysis with high adjusted determination coefficient value (R 2) of 0.9697. The highest yield (134.2 ± 1.53 mg/g) of pinocembrin was obtained under the optimal conditions (ethanol concentration of 68 %, extraction temperature of 69 °C, extraction time of 42 min and electrical acoustic intensity of 66.81 W/cm2), which agreed to the predicted value of 132.9 mg/g. Moreover, the comparison between the UAE and reflux extraction also showed the suitability of UAE for pinocembrin from Flos populi.