Abstract: In this study, response surface methodology was used to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of phytosterol from bamboo shoot scraps. The effects of four variables including solid-to-solvent ratio, ultrasonic power, ultrasonic treatment time and raw material particle size on total phytosterol and β-sitosterol yields were investigated. The optimal extraction conditions were found as follows: 1:31 of solid-to-solvent ratio, 10.5 min of ultrasonic treatment time, 410 W of ultrasonic power, and 86 mesh of raw material particle size. Under these conditions, the total phytosterol and β-sitosterol yields were 0.317% and 0.249%, respectively.

Key words: bamboo shoot scraps, total phytosterol, β-sitosterol, response surface analysis, ultrasonic treatment