Mucuna monosperma Seed Extraction: Method Optimization using Response Surface Methodology

The extraction conditions for Mucuna monosperma (M. monosperma) seeds were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the help of a Central Composite Design (CCD). Independent variables such as shaking time, incubation temperature, and ultrasonication time were selected, while the response variables included the anti-Parkinson’s medication L-DOPA content and antioxidant activity of the extract. Along with this, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were analyzed from the optimized plant extract. Optimal conditions for highest possible extraction of L DOPA (19.22mg/g) and antioxidant activity (78.36%), achieved with 10 minutes of ultrasonication, 12.72 hours of incubation (shaking) time, and an extraction temperature of 50°C. The total phenolic content (43.13mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (26.25 mg QUE/g) were also determined for the optimized extract. Fit statistics and ANOVA results suggested that the polynomial quadratic model provided a satisfactory fit. The validated response surface plots (cube plot and contour graphs) confirmed the significance of the desired responses. In summary, RSM effectively demonstrated the impact of process variables on each quality attribute, enabling the achievement of optimal conditions and model fitting. The methodology presented in this study showed great potential for industrial applications by being reliable and robust for L-DOPA extraction investigations.