Optimization of Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Moroccan Cannabis Sativa seed oil using Response Surface Technology: Yield and Antioxidant Activity

The present work is focused on the optimization of Cannabis sativa seed oil extraction using ultra-sound process at laboratory level. A central composite design (CCD), a widely used form of response surface methodology (RSM), was used to optimize C. sativa seed oil extraction yield, its total antioxidant capacity and DPPH scavenging ability. Three independent variables including extraction time (30, 60 and 90 min), liquid:solid ratio (5, 10 and 15 mL/g) and grinding time (30, 60 and 90 sec) were studied. A second order polynomial equation was used to express both the oil yield and the antioxidant activities, DPPH scavenging and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as a function of independent variables. The desirability function was used to determine the operating conditions making it possible to maximize, at the same time, the three responses studied. Indeed, with an extraction time of 67.66 min, a liquid:solid ratio of 12.56 mL/g and a grinding time of 110 seconds, we obtained a yield of 24.21 % of oil with a DPPH scavenging ability of 88.5% and a TAC of 0.23 mg EAA/ g oil. The experimental values under optimal conditions were in good consistent with the predicted values.