Optimized microwave assisted extraction (MAE) of alkaloids and polyphenols from Berberis roots using multiple-component analysis

Berberis, one of the major sources of berberine and polyphenols, is widely accepted genus for its medicinal properties. The inclusion of these phytochemicals in different health formulations has widened its scope in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. In the present study, multi-component analysis (MCA) has been used to extract these nutraceutical compounds from Berberis jaeschkeana roots under microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions. To determine the optimum extraction condition, different factors, including, microwave power, sample to solvent ratio, irradiation time, solvent pH and solvent concentration were tested under 42 experiments. The MCA includes, Plackett-Burmen and Central Composite Design and analyzes model fitness, regression coefficient (β), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and 3D response curve. The results showed significant model fitness and involvement of linear, quadratic and interactive effect of different factors. Under optimized MAE condition, [i.e. 1 g of sample extracted through 70 mL of a solution (100% methanol pH 2.0), provided microwave power of 598 W for 2 min of irradiation time], the berberine and palmatine contents were recorded as 46.38 mg g(−1) and 20.54 mg g(−1) respectively. Under optimized condition, the yield of alkaloids were found closer to the models’ predicted value. Similarly, total phenolic content and antioxidant activities were also found closer to the models’ predicted value. To test the suitability of the optimized MAE condition for other species i.e., Berberis asiatica, extraction of alkaloids and polyphenolics was conducted and recorded higher yield to the previous records. Moreover, under optimum extraction condition, six and seven polyphenolic compounds from B. jaeschkeana and B. asiatica were quantified respectively. The proposed MAE optimization design using MCA contributes towards faster and greener extraction of alkaloids and polyphenolics with higher yield. Moreover these greener approaches could sustainably utilize species during extract preparation and harnessing its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential. This study design could also be replicated on other valuable species or compounds for effective extraction of nutraceutical components and sustainable utilization of natural products.