Optimization of Extraction Process of Valeriana officinalis L. Root Essential Oil and Study on Its Anti-Free Radical Activity

Abstract

Taking Valerianrhizome as raw material and the yield of volatile oil of Valerian as an index, the extraction process of valerian volatile oil was analyzed by microwave assisted steam distillation, and optimized by Box-Behnken response surface test. The effects of scavenging capacity of Li, DPPH and hydroxyl radicals on their antioxidant capacity were studied. The results showed that the optimal process conditions of microwave extraction of volatile oil of Valerian were 350W microwave power, extraction time 25min, liquid-to-material ratio 8.8mL: 1.0g, and the yield of volatile oil of Valerian extracted under this condition was 5.88%. Microwave-extracted volatile oil of Valerian has strong scavenging ability and high reducing power to DPPH free radicals and hydroxyl free radicals. Compared with steam distillation, it has obvious differences, which can provide reference for the development of antioxidant products of Valerian oil.