Optimization of microwave-assisted flavonoid extraction from loquat leaves.

Objective The optimum technlogical conditions of microwave-assisted flavonoid extraction from loquat leaves were investigated to provide references for exploring and utilizing loquat leaves resources. Method With flavonoid content as assessment index, the influence of microwave power (W), ethanol concentration(%), solid-liquid ratio (g∶mL) and extraction time (s) on extraction efficiency of flavonoid was studied. The best parameters for microwave-assisted flavonoid extraction from loquat leaves were identified in orthogonal test on the basis of single factor experiment. ResultThe influencing sequence was ethanol concentration solid-liquid ratioextraction timemicrowave power. In the optimal parameters (ethanol concentration of 50%, microwave irradiated of 125 W, microwave time of 100 s and solid-liquid ratio of 1∶10(g∶mL)), the flavonoid content was 0.712%. Conclusion Extracting flavonoid from loquat leaves with the auxiliary of microwave is an effective method, owing to its high yield rate, brief extraction duration and less ethanol.