Optimization studies on extraction of phytocomponents from betel leaves

The present study aims at finding out the optimum parameters for the extraction of components from
Betel leaves possessing medicinal applications using ethanol solvent by Soxhlet apparatus. The optimum
conditions for the extract were calculated based on the extract yield by varying four parameters: material
quantity (A: 2–4 g), solvent quantity (B: 250–300 ml), mantle temperature (C: 65–75 °C) and extraction
time (D: 1–3 hours) and optimized using a four factor three level Box–Behnken response surface
design (BBD) coupled with desirability function methodology. Results showed that temperature and extraction
time had significant effect on yield of extract. Optimum conditions for highest yield of extract
(10.94%) are as follows: material quantity (2 g), solvent quantity (281.4 ml), temperature (72 °C) and time
(3 hours). The extract at the maximum yield condition was analyzed for phytocomponents by FTIR and
GC–MS. The results indicated the presence of Hydroxy chavicol (69.46%), 4-Chromanol (24%) and Eugenol
(4.86%), which possess wide application including as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and antithrombotic,
antibacterial and antifungal agents.