Application of fractional factorial design to optimize extraction method of artemisinin from Artemisia annua

Fractional factorial design was applied to optimize the extraction process of artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. Three different techniques i.e., Soxhlet, maceration, and microwave-assisted extraction were optimized to determine the optimum extraction conditions. Thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography were used to determine the yield of artemisinin in the sample. The optimum condition was obtained by immersing 0.5 g of sample in 3 ml of chloroform for 2 min. The amount of artemisinin extracted from the sample was 47.9 +/- 0.6 x 10(-3) % w/w. In addition, the predicted values calculated by the model were in good agreement with the experimental values.