Optimization of ultrasonic assisted extraction of fatty acids from Borago Officinalis L. flower by central composite design

In the present study, the ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) of essential oils and fatty acids from Borago officinalis L. flower was developed by using n-hexane as extracting solvent. The obtained extracts were compared by hydrodistillation. Four parameters such as temperature, time, power of ultrasonic, and the ratio of extracting solvent volume to the weight of the plant were optimized using a central composite design after a full factorial design. Based on direct observation and analysis, the highest yields for UAE were obtained at a temperature of 48 °C, an extraction time of 30 min, minimum power of ultrasonic and in the ratio of extracting solvent volume to weight of plant 36:1 mL/g. The chemical compositions of the UAE extract were identified by GC-MS after derivation. The extraction yield base on ultrasonic assisted extraction varied in the range of 0.12-1.04% (w/w).