Background: In this study, microwave extraction was used, which is an effective method to extract useful bioactive substances as it requires low quantities of solvent and short time periods. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal extraction conditions for Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb.
Methods and Results: The independent variables were ethanol concentration, microwave power, and extraction time, each of which had five levels. The dependent variables were total polyphenol and total flavonoid content, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. To determine the optimal extraction conditions for bioactive compounds, a response surface methodology was employed. Contour maps were generated from polynomial equations. The optimal conditions were then assumed by superimposing these contour maps. Based on the resulting graph, the optimal microwave extraction conditions for Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb were determined as 42 - 48% ethanol concentration, 240 - 280W microwave power, and 13 - 20 min of extraction time.
Conclusions: Ethanol concentration had a significant effect on microwave extraction, in terms of total polyphenol and total flavonoid content, as well as DPPH radical scavenging activity. Microwave power and extraction time influenced the total polyphenol content, but not the total flavonoid content or the DPPH radical scavenging activity.