A Novel Method for Improving the Extraction Yields of Diarylheptanoids from
Curcuma comosa Roxb. Rhizomes using Central Composite Design
Onnicha Vutisophagorn1, Supisara Pethprapatsorn1, Damrongsak Jinarat1, Adelheid H. Brantner 2, Apichart Suksamrarn 3,
Rawiwun Kaewamatawong 4, Wandee Rungseevijitprapa 4, Bancha Yingngam 5,*
Abstract
Introduction: Rhizomes of C. comosa have been widely used in traditional Thai medicines as a hormonal
replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. Up to date, the optimum extraction conditions of
diarylheptanoids from this plant have not yet been investigated. Objective: To apply the statistic-based
ultrasonic assisted extraction method for isolation of the diarylheptanoids and use the resulting isolated
compounds as chemical markers of the plant. Materials and methods: A 23-factorial, 6-axial, 6-center,
central composite design was applied to construct the mathematical model and predict the optimal extraction
conditions. Effectiveness of the extraction method was compared to that of a classical sohxlation. Results:
The optimal conditions were 45 kHz, 1:16 g/mL solid to liquid (ethyl acetate), 65C, and 16 min irradiation
time. The extraction method was also more efficient than traditional extraction method. Conclusion: The
results offer the effectively operational conditions in the extraction of diarylheptanoids from C. comosa. These
parameters may be useful in the development of the extraction process of C. comosa for pharmaceutical
application.
Keywords: Curcuma comosa Roxb., Diarylheptanoids, Extraction, Phytoestrogens, Statistics
Student, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, 34190,
Thailand
2 Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz,
Universitaetsplatz 4/1, A-8010, Graz, Austria
3 Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkapi, Bangkok
10240, Thailand
4 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, 34190, Thailand
5 Lecturer, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, 34190, Thailand
* Corresponding author: Bancha Yingngam, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ubon Ratchathani
University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand, Tel. +66 45353630, Fax: +66 45353626, Email:
bancha.y@ubu.ac.th.
1