Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of S-allyl-cysteine from garlic: Enhancing yield through response...

The purpose of this study was to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE) of S-allyl cysteine (SAC) from an Indian garlic variety using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of essential process variables such as extraction time, temperature, and loading ratio were effectively optimized to maximize SAC yield using a central composite design (CCD). The model predicted optimal conditions at 47.36 °C, 11.76 min, and a loading ratio of 43.75 mL/g, yielding a 0.91 mg/g SAC content. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis validated the presence of SAC in the garlic extract, and FE-SEM revealed enhanced cellular disruption. USAE showed about 28.6% higher SAC yield than conventional extraction, demonstrating a rapid, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods for obtaining valuable garlic bioactives, with strong potential for application in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.