An optimization approach of dynamic maceration of Centella asiatica to obtain the highest content of four centelloids by response surface methodology

Abstract

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Apiaceae, is commonly used as food, food supplement, and medicine. Development of the extraction process to obtain the high extent of the active compound is necessary. So, the response surface methodology was used in this work to optimize the dynamic maceration of C. asiatica to obtain the highest content of the four centelloids including asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside. Two factors: extraction temperature and extraction time, were studied. The content of four centelloids was observed. After the extraction of C. asiatica using ethanol, the content of four centelloids was analyzed using validated high performance liquid chromatography. The optimization result showed that madecassoside and asiaticoside had a similar pattern of the contour plots and response surfaces. These two centelloids were highly extracted at a high extraction time and high extraction temperature. The other two centelloids had the same pattern, they had a high content at a high temperature and time as well as at a low temperature and time. The simultaneous highest content of four centelloids was achieved when extracted at 60°C for 120min. The optimal condition could be used as standard condition for extraction of C. asiatica to provide the highest content of four centelloids.