Study on cause-effect relations and optimization of Radix eurycomae longifoliae extraction process

Abstract

Eurycomanon as a major bioactive compound in the roots of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Radix Eurycomae longifoliae) for treatment of erectile dysfunction was extracted. The cause-effect relations were investigated to optimise the extraction for higher yield, especially in view of eurycomanon. Ten experiments were designed by Design-Expert software for evaluate the effects of 3 independent variables (extraction temperature, extraction times and solvent/material ratio) on two dependent variables (the extraction yield and eurycomanon extraction yield). Eurycomanon content was dermined by HPLC. The cause-effect relations between the independent and dependent variables were investigated and the extraction was optimized optimized by BCPharSoft OPT software. All three independent variables were found to affect two dependent varibles. Finally, the optimized extraction was optimized as: solvent/material ratio - 13/1; temperature - 82^oC; extraction times - 3. These findings may be practically useful for quality improvement of extracts from the Radix Eurycomae longifoliae and related products.