Abstract
Objective
To optimize the ultrasonic extraction process for benzoic acid as a harmful substance
in Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (P. lactiflora Pall.).
Methods
Methanol and ethanol solutions at different concentration gradients (25, 50, 75%)
were prepared to investigate the effects of extraction solvents on the extraction
efficiency of benzoic acid. The influences of ultrasonic frequency (35, 50 Hz), ultrasonic
power (40, 60, 80, 100 W), ultrasonic time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 minutes), and ultrasonic
temperature (20, 30, 40, 50°C) on the extraction efficiency were examined. Orthogonal
experiments were conducted to analyze the effects of temperature, time, and ultrasonic
power on the extraction efficiency and to screen the optimal ultrasonic extraction
process.
Results
Various influencing factors had certain effects on the extraction efficiency of benzoic
acid from P. lactiflora Pall. Single-factor analysis revealed that 25% methanol, ultrasonic frequency of
50 Hz, ultrasonic power of 40 W, ultrasonic time of 10 minutes, and ultrasonic temperature
of 30°C yielded the highest extraction efficiency for benzoic acid. The order of influence
of different factors on the extraction efficiency was temperature > time > power.
The optimal conditions obtained from orthogonal experiments were: extraction solvent
of 25% methanol, ultrasonic frequency of 50 Hz, ultrasonic time of 20 minutes, ultrasonic
power of 40 W, and ultrasonic temperature of 30°C.
Conclusion
Under the conditions of 25% methanol as the extraction solvent, ultrasonic frequency
of 50 Hz, ultrasonic time of 20 minutes, ultrasonic power of 40 W, and ultrasonic
temperature of 30°C, the extraction efficiency of benzoic acid from P. lactiflora Pall. was the highest. This method offers advantages such as simple operation, small
sample size requirement, and low solvent consumption, providing a reliable analytical
approach for quality control and safety evaluation of P. lactiflora Pall.
Keywords
Paeonia lactiflora Pall. - benzoic acid - ultrasonic extraction - process optimization
