Multiple responses optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction by response surface methodology (RSM) for rapid analysis of bioactive compounds in the flower head of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.

The dried flower head of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (Chrysanthemi Flos) is a traditional Chinese medicine. To evaluate the quality of Chrysanthemi Flos comprehensively and quickly, an ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) strategy for optimizing simultaneous quantitative analysis of eight bioactive compounds in Chrysanthemi Flos was developed. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM) combined with HPLC-DAD analysis. The method was optimized by Box-Behnken design (BBD) and Derringer's desirability function using methanol concentration, extraction time, and liquid/solid ratio as factors and eight bioactive compounds contents as responses. The optimal conditions were as followed: a solvent of 65.24% methanol, an extraction time of 21.93 min and a liquid/solid ratio of 30.44:1 mL/g. There were no significant differences between the results of the optimization experiments and those predicted by the models. Compared to traditional analysis methods, the developed HPLC-DAD method shortened analysis time and possessed higher sensitivity and selectivity. The established method was applied successfully to analyze 24 batches of samples from six cultivars of C. morifolium. The results indicated the qualities of commercial samples of C. morifolium were varied.