Optimization of ultrasonic extraction of total flavonoids from Tussilago farfara L. using response surface...

In this work, ultrasound technology was used for the extraction of total flavonoids from Tussilago farfara L. Response surface methodology (RSM), based on a Box-Behnken design (BBD), was used to optimize the effects of processing parameters on total flavonoids yields. The parameters were ultrasonic frequency (X1), extraction time (X2) and ratio of liquid to solid (X3). The statistical analysis indicated that the parameters of ultrasonic power and ratio of liquid to solid, and the square effects among them had significant effects on the yield of flavonoids from Tussilago farfara L. The interaction between ultrasonic power and extraction time, and ultrasonic power and ratio of liquid to solid also caused significant effects on the yields. The optimum extraction conditions were determined as follows: ultrasonic power 420 W, extraction time 30 min, ratio of liquid to solid 25 mL/g. Under these conditions, the experimental yield 6.59 +/- 0.061% agreed closely with the predicted yield (6.64%).