Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from Achillea kellalensis using response surface methodology

The present paper aims to optimize the extraction conditions of Achillea kellalensis Boiss. & Hausskn., endemic to Iran, with assistance of sonication to exploit the potential health benefits of its extract. The Box-Behnken experimental design was employed to investigate the influence of the sonication amplitude (50-100%), extraction time (10-30 min), ethanol concentration (30-70%), and solvent-to-solid ratio (20:1-40:1) on responses of extraction yield, antioxidant activity (AA) as well as total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The optimum extraction condition was found to be sonication amplitude of 89.73%, ultrasonic time of 18.96 min, solvent-to-solid ratio of 30.95 and ethanol concentration of 46.15%. At this point, maximum extraction yield, AA, and TPC and TFC were observed. HPLC analysis showed luteolin (1.433 mu g/mL), apigenin (1.105 mu g/mL), naringenin (0.577 mu g/mL), and galangin (0.532 mu g/mL) are the main phenolic compounds present in extract. The results indicate that the A. kellalensis extract could be used as a promising bioactive ingredient in the food and pharmaceutical industries.