Optimization of supercritical CO2 extraction of different anatomical parts of lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch.) using response surface methodology and evaluation of extracts composition

• SFE-CO2 parameters were optimized for lovage roots and leaves by RSM.
• The predicted values of extraction well fitted measured experimental values.
• The maximal predicted extract yield was 2.26% (roots) and 2.29% (leaves).
• The content of Z-ligustilide in extracts was 27–50% (leaves) and 61–77% (roots).
• Recovery of Z-ligustilide was up to 1188 (roots) and 540 (leaves) mg/100 g dw.

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE-CO2) parameters were optimized using response surface methodology and central composite design for lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch.) roots and leaves containing valuable phytoconstituents. Mathematical model predicted the highest yields of extracts from roots and leaves 2.26 and 2.29%, respectively, at 45 MPa pressure, 60 °C temperature, 90 min (roots) and 30 min (leaves) extraction time, whereas the yield of hydrodistilled essential oil was 0.24 and 0.74%, respectively. The highest relative content of the most valuable constituent Z-ligustilide in roots and leaves extracts was 77 and 50% at 10 MPa; however, the highest yields of this compound from 100 g of dry material were obtained at the highest applied pressure and constituted 1188 mg (roots) and 540 mg (leaves). This study showed that lovage is a good source of Z-ligustilide and SFE-CO2 is a preferable technique for its isolation.

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