https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2025.009
Published: Kem. Ind. 74 (11-12) (2025) 475–485
Paper reference number: KUI-09/2025
Paper type: Original scientific paper
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Statistical Modelling of Ultrasound-assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.)

N. Vasiljević, M. Tomić, S. Panić, T. Ljubinac and V. Mićić

Abstract

This study presents the statistical modelling of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of (poly)phenolic compounds from yarrow flowers (Achillea millefolium L.) using a central composite design (CCD). The effects of ethanol content in the solvent (21.36–88.64 %v/v, including extremes), solid-to-solvent ratio (1 : 9.77–60.23 w/v, including extremes), and initial solution pH (1.95–12.05, including extremes) on extraction efficiency of total (poly)phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were examined. The results showed that the responses were most significantly influenced by the solid-to-solvent ratio and ethanol content in the solvent, while the effect of pH of the initial solution was weak. Regression analysis yielded highly reliable models with coefficients of determination (R²) close to unity. The highest contents of total (poly)phenols (≈30.31 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (≈12.21 mg CTH/g) were achieved at a high solid-to-solvent ratio (1 : 60.23 w/v) and a medium ethanol content (55 %v/v). In contrast, the highest anthocyanin content (≈0.157 mg Cy3G/g) was achieved at the highest ethanol content (88.64 %v/v) and a medium solid-to-solvent ratio (1 : 35 w/v). Regardless of the response, the highest yields were achieved in a neutral environment, though acceptable results could also be achieved under alkaline conditions. ANOVA analysis confirmed the proposed quadratic models had high statistical significance (p < 0.0001 for all responses), validating their use in predicting extraction efficiency under varying conditions.

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Keywords

ANOVA, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), (poly)phenols, yarrow flowers, flavonoids