The characteristics of a microwave extraction process used for saikosaponins from Bupleurum falcatum root

Summary The characteristics of a microwave‐assisted process (MAPTM) for extraction of saikosaponins from Bupleurum falcatum root were monitored, predicted and optimized through response surface methodology. The maximum yield of total extract was 27.3% when using 102.1 W of microwave power, 54.3% ethanol concentration and extraction for 8.34 min. The extraction patterns for the individual saikosaponins a, c and d showed apparent differences in their response surfaces depending on the process conditions. The maximized extractable contents of saikosaponins a, c and d were predicted, respectively, to be 4.54, 0.45 and 7.31 mg g−1 under the respective conditions of 46.4, 40.7 and 117.2 W of microwave power, 34.7, 47.1 and 67.9% ethanol concentration, and extraction times of 8.0, 7.9 and 3.4 min. A comparison between the predicted and observed values for optimizing the extraction conditions resulted in insignificant differences.