Extraction of total phenolic content from Azadirachta indica or (neem) leaves: Kinetics study

The objective of this work is to put forth the optimization and kinetics of total phenolic compounds extraction from Azadirachta indica leaves in a stirred batch extraction. Various experiential extraction parameters have been studied for maximum extraction of the total phenolic compounds. The maximum yield of total phenolic compounds was found to be 10.80mgg(-1) of dried neem powder under the optimized conditions. The extraction kinetics behavior followed first-order kinetics with diffusion coefficient ranged from 1.8x10(-12) to 3.2x10(-12)m(2) s(-1) for all sets. Activation energy (E-a) value for the extraction of the total phenolic compounds was found to be 22.87kJmol(-1). The kinetic expression model developed by Spiro and Siddique showed a good agreement with the experimental outcomes. The obtained results can be used to scale up the operations for industrial purposes.