Optimization of ultrasonic extraction of alkaloids from Scutellaria barbata D. Don using response surface methodology

Based on a BoxBehnken design,response surface methodology was used to optimize the effects of processing parameters of extraction from Scutellaria barbata on total alkaloids yield. Three independent variables such as extraction time (X1), liquid-solid ratio (X2) and ultrasonic frequency (X3) were study. The P-value indicated that both extraction time (X1) and ultrasonic frequency (X3) had significant effects on the response value, followed by the interaction effects of liquid-solid ratio and ultrasonic frequency (X2X3). It also indicated that the square effects of extraction time (X1 ), liquid-solid ratio ( X2 ) and ultrasonic frequency (X3 ) had significant effects on the yields of alkaloids from Scutellaria barbata D. Don. The optimum conditions of alkaloids extraction were extraction time of 60 min, liquid-solid ratio of 55 mL/g and ultrasonic frequency of 350w. Under optimized conditions, the experimental yield 1.39±0.061% agreed closely with the predicted yield (1.40%).