Abstract: This study was undertaken to optimize the solvent-free microwave extraction conditions and DPPH radical-scavenging activity of essential oil from Schisandra chinesis fruits. The uniform design method was employed for process optimization. The optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: extraction time, 50 min; microwave power, 800 W; and amount of water addition for pretreatment, 40%. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of essential oil was 0.92%. A total of 35 compounds were identified by GC-MS in the obtained essential oil with a total content of 91.06%, mostly consisting of ylangene (34.81%), β-himachalene (10.74%) and α-bergamotene (9.22%). The IC50 value of the essential oil against DPPH free radicals was determined as 3.01 mg/mL. In conclusion, solvent-free microwave extraction is a feasible method for essential oil extraction from Schisandra chinensis fruits.

Key words: Schisandra chinesis, essential oil, solvent-free microwave extraction, chemical composition, DPPH radical scavenging activity