Extraction and Characterization of Crude Extract From Phytolacca Dodecandra Leaf Using Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction

Phytolacca dodecandra leaves have a rich history of medicinal use in Ethiopia, addressing ailments such as skin itching, gonorrhea, leeches, intestinal worms, anthrax, malaria, abdominal pain, bloating, wounds, and rabies. To optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds, a Box‐Behnken response surface design (BBD) was employed, examining the effects of extraction time, temperature, and solid‐solvent ratio (SLR) during ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (UAE). The study revealed that the maximum extraction yield was 15.24%, with a total phenolic content (TPC) of 100.59 mg GAE/g and a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 51.25 mg QE/g, achieved at an SLR of 12.5:87.5 g/mL, solvent concentration of 87.5%, ultrasonic frequency of 25 kHz, and power of 475 W. Analytical techniques such as GC–MS identified eight phytochemicals, including alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolics, confirming the extract's bioactive potential. FTIR spectroscopy detected key functional groups like C–O, C–H, N–H, O–H, and H–C–H, while UV–vis analysis (230–400 nm) further confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds. Overall, the UAE process proved effective for extracting valuable phytochemicals from P. dodecandra leaves, supporting their potential for medicinal and functional applications.