Abstract
Background: The present study optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions to maximize extraction yields of glycyrrhizic acid from licorice. Methods: The optimal extraction temperature ($X_1$), extraction time ($X_2$), and methanol concentration ($X_3$) were identified using response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) was used for experimental design and analysis of the results to obtain the optimal processing parameters. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that three variables and the quadratic of $X_1$, $X_2$, and $X_3$ had significant effects on the yields and were followed by significant interaction effects between the variables of $X_2$ and $X_3$ (p<0.01). A 3D response surface plot and contour plots derived from the mathematical models were applied to determine the optimal conditions. The optimum ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions were as follows: extraction temperature, $69^{\circ}C$; extraction time, 34?min; and methanol concentration, 57%. Under these conditions, the experimental yield of glycyrrhizic acid was 3.414%, which agreed closely with the predicted value (3.406%). Conclusion: The experimental values agreed with those predicted by RSM models, thus indicating the suitability of the model employed and the success of RSM in optimizing the extraction conditions.