Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of wedelolactone from Eclipta alba using response surface methodology

An efficient microwave-assisted extraction technique was used to extract wedelolactone from Eclipta alba. To optimize the effects of the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) processing parameters on the yield of wedelolactone, a response surface methodology with a central composite rotatable design was employed. Four independent variables were investigated: microwave power, ethanol concentration, extraction time and the solvent-to-solid ratio. The optimum conditions were: microwave power, 208W; ethanol concentration, 90%; extraction time, 26.5min; and solvent-tosolid ratio, 33mL.g(-1). Under the optimal conditions, the extraction yield of wedelolactone was (82.67 +/- 0.16)%, which is in close agreement with the value predicted by the statistical model. MAE was also compared to other conventional methods, including ultrasonic assisted extraction, extraction at room temperature and heat reflux extraction. MAE has distinct advantages for the extraction of wedelolactone in terms of both time and efficiency. Therefore, MAE is a reliable method for the extraction of wedelolactone from Eclipta alba.