Statistical approach towards optimization of extraction process of karanjin from Pongamia pinnata seeds

Background: Pongamia pinnata is a valuable herb with loads of pharmacological activities owing to its phytochemical profile. Karanjin is one phytocompound found in the seeds of P. pinnata. Optimization of karanjin extraction process becomes a high priority task because of its high significance. Objective: Use of Box–Behnken design for optimization of extraction of karanjin from P. pinnata seeds. Materials and Methods: Design expert software was used for optimization purpose. Extraction temperature, extraction time and solvent-to-drug ratio were taken as input variables which affected the karanjin content. Quantification of karanjin in different extracts was done through high-performance liquid chromatography using methanol and water (80:20% v/v) as mobile phase. Results: Ultrasound-assisted extraction stood out to be the most efficient mode for extraction of karanjin using methanol as solvent. Extraction temperature of 57.85°C, extraction time of 25.45 min, and solvent-to-drug ratio of 86.4709% v/w were established as optimum conditions for extraction of karanjin from P. pinnata seeds. Under such extraction conditions, 8.33%w/w karanjin was extracted. Conclusion: From our study, it was concluded that non-thermal methods are a better choice for extraction of karanjin and methanol is the most efficient solvent for the same. All the three input variables significantly affected karanjin content which was confirmed by model fitting and analysis of regression coefficients. Our research shows the relevance of a statistical approach in phytocompound research area which makes the extraction process cheap and less laborious.