Objective: To investigate the optimization of extraction conditions of saikosaponins a, c and d from Bupleurum falcatum.
Methods: Experimental factors and levels were firstly selected by one-factor test. According to the central composite experimental design principle, the response surface methodology with 3 factors and 3 levels was adopted. Used HPLC to determine the contents of saikosaponins a, c and d. Used column symmetry C18 (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm); Mobile phase was acetonitrile-water gradient elution, flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, the detection wavelength was 200 nm, detecting temperature was 25 degrees C.
Results: The optimum conditions of aikosaponins extraction were as follows:extraction time was 93 min, power was 150 W, solvent to solid ratio was 60. The predicted total saikosaponin extraction yield was 13.66 mg/g,while the actual extraction yield was 13.64 mg/g, with relative error of 0.15%.
Conclusion: The optimum extraction process is reasonable, reliable and high yield of extracting effective content.