Optimization of germination buckwheat for alkaloid extracted using response surface methodology

This study applied response surface methodology and synthetic evaluation method to optimize the alkaloid content of buckwheat sprouts. Solid-liquid (1:10-1:30), ethanol concentration (60%-80%), extraction temperature (20°C-60°C) and extraction time (20-40 min) were considered as treatment factors in the optimization. All treatment variables shown significant effects on the alkaloid content of buckwheat sprouts (P<0.05). A second order polynomial model produced a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data considering the alkaloid content (Radj=0.8803, S=0.094). Considering the feasibility, the best conditions for the alkaloids content were identified as solid-liquid ratio 1:15, ethanol concentration70%, extraction temperature 45°C and extraction time 20 min, under these conditions the alkaloids content was 1.35 mg/g. This process control study provided baseline data for developing industry of buckwheat sprouts.