Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of glycyrrhizic acid from licorice using response surface methodology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The present study optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions to maximize extraction yields of glycyrrhizic acid from licorice. METHODS: ) were identified using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) was used for experimental design and analysis of the results to obtain the optimal processing parameters. RESULTS: 0.01). A 3D response surface plot and contour plots derived from the mathematical models were applied to determine the optimal conditions. The optimum ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions were as follows: extraction temperature, 69 °C; extraction time, 34 min; and methanol concentration, 57%. Under these conditions, the experimental yield of glycyrrhizic acid was 3.414%, which agreed closely with the predicted value (3.406%). CONCLUSION: The experimental values agreed with those predicted by RSM models, thus indicating the suitability of the model employed and the success of RSM in optimizing the extraction conditions.