Optimization of Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction of Seabuckthorn ( Hippophae salicifolia ) Seed Oil With the Use of Response Surface Methodology

Seabuckthorn ( Hippophae salicifolia ), a versatile plant thriving in the high‐altitude regions of North East India, is renowned for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Its seed oil, abundant in bioactive compounds such as fatty acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, holds significant potential for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical use. Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) has emerged as a promising green technology that enhances extraction efficiency while preserving thermolabile compounds. This study aimed to enhance seabuckthorn seed oil yield, antioxidant activity, and carotenoid content using UAE method. Key UAE parameters—sonication time, temperature, and solvent‐to‐sample ratio—significantly influenced ( p < 0.05) the extraction outcomes. Optimization using response surface methodology (RSM) yielded a maximum oil yield of 17.95%, strong antioxidant activity (IC 50 : 5.25 μg/mL), and high total carotenoid content (266.63 mg/100 g) under optimal conditions (18.02 min, 45.27°C, 10.65 mL/g). The UAE‐extracted oil showed 83.15% unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), higher than Soxhlet extraction, highlighting its nutritional superiority. UFAs are known for their health‐promoting effects, enhancing the oil's value for therapeutic applications. Physicochemical and thermal analysis confirmed the oil's quality and stability. Overall, UAE proved to be an eco‐friendly and effective method for extracting high‐quality seabuckthorn seed oil, supporting its application in functional foods, cosmetics, and health supplements.