Optimisation of microwave-assisted extraction of prune (Prunus domestica) antioxidants by response surface methodology

Optimal conditions for microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of total phenols (TP), epicatechin gallate and antioxidant activity from prune (Prunus domestica), rejected in transformation process of plum to prune, were determined by response surface methodology. The central composite design was used to study the effects of three independent variables: microwave power, irradiation time and solvent polarity on the TP, epicatechin gallate and antioxidant activity. Epicatechin gallate was identified as a major phenolic compound in prune extract by RP-HPLC. Microwave power and irradiation time significantly affected all responses (P < 0.01). The highest TP (598.89 mg GAE/100 g prune) was obtained using water as an extraction solvent at 500 W, during 115 s. However, the optimal conditions for epicatechin gallate extraction were ethanol 80%, 435 W and 120 s. MAE is more efficient than conventional extraction method to obtain TP from prune. The experimental values were reasonably close to the predicted values confirming the validity of the predicted models.