Enhanced Adenosine and Cordycepin Extraction From Cordyceps Militaris: Optimization via Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction and Response Surface Methodology

This article describes a comprehensive and detailed study on the simultaneous extraction process of two important compounds, Adenosine and Cordycepin, from Cordyceps militaris powder with the aid of ultrasound. The Plackett-Burman model was used to screen for univariate factors affecting the analyte content in the extract. Subsequently, the optimization process using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the Box-Behnken design was employed to establish an optimal extraction procedure. Accordingly, the best extraction conditions for both Adenosine and Cordycepin were determined to be a water ratio of 100:0 as solvent, an extraction temperature of 45 °C, ultrasound power of 300W, material ratio of 1:20, and ultrasound duration of 30 min. The contents of Adenosine and Cordycepin determined by HPLC-DAD under optimal conditions were 2508 ± 65 mg/kg and 2454 ± 37 mg/kg, respectively.