Abstract: The purpose of the current study was the optimization of the process for the solvent extraction of proanthocyanidins from Areca catechu L. fruit with ultrasonic assistance. First of all, the selection of extraction solvent was investigated. Secondly, one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) experiments were done to figure out the effects of five process parameters for the extraction of proanthocyanidins with acetone aqueous solution, including acetone concentration in aqueous solution, extraction temperature, material-to-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power and ultrasonic treatment time on the extraction rate of proanthocyanidins. Thirdly, the relationship of the extraction rate of proanthocyanidins with the other four extraction conditions except extraction temperature was mathematically modeled on the basis of a four-variable, three-level central composite design (CCD) with 26 runs. Finally, the model established was subjected to analysis of variance to test the significance of various variables and response surface analysis to understand their pairwise interactive effects on the function. From the above investigations and analysis, we determined the optimum conditions for the extraction of proanthocyanidins from Areca catechu L. fruit to be: ultrasonic power of 600 W, ultrasonic treatment time of 16 min, the ratio of material to solvent of 1:40 (g/mL) and acetone concentration of 81%. Under these conditions, the maximum extraction rate of proanthocyanidins was up to 3.41%.

Key words: Areca catechu L., proanthocyanidins, extraction, response surface methodogy