Extraction of Flavonoids from Parasitic plant Macrosolen cochinchinensis using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: An Optimization Approach

The parasitic plant Macrosolen cochinchinensis (Lour.) VAN Tiegh, commonly found parasitizing mango trees, contains flavonoid compounds with potential anticancer properties. This study aims to optimize the extraction of flavonoids from M. cochinchinensis using the Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) method. Three extraction parameters were investigated to determine the best conditions for maximizing extract yield and flavonoid concentration. The parameters considered for the UAE technique were different ethanol concentrations (30%, 70%, and 96%), extraction times (15, 30, and 45 minutes), and solvent-to-sample ratios (1:10, 1:20, and 1:30). The study used Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to identify the optimal extraction conditions. The analysis using RSM indicated that the highest extraction yield (10%) was achieved with a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:30, 30% ethanol concentration, and an extraction time of 45 minutes. The highest flavonoid content (457.96 mg QE/g extract) was obtained with a solid-to-liquid ratio between 1:20 and 1:30, using 65 to 80% ethanol solvent and an extraction time of 45 minutes. These results suggest that these parameters extract flavonoid compounds from M. cochinchinensis leaves.