Abstract:

The extraction processing of coumestrol from Alfalfa was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). On the basis of single-factor experiments, a mathematical regression model was established for predicting between extraction rate of crude coumestrol and three critical extraction factors including material-liquid ratio, extraction temperature and extraction time. The optimal extraction processing parameters were material-liquid ratio of 27.28:1 (mL/g), extraction temperature of 67.7 ℃ and extraction time of 13.77 h. Under these optimal conditions, the actual extraction rate of crude coumestrol from Alfalfa was 2.64‰, which was well consistent with the predicted value. These results can provide a theoretical reference for the extraction of coumestrol from Alfalfa.

Key words: Alfalfa, coumestrol, extraction, response surface methodology