Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction conditions for bioactive compounds from Cannabis sativa L. leaves using response surface methodology

This research aims to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions for extracting bioactive compounds from Cannabis sativa L. leaves by varying extraction temperature, time, and water ratio to enhance the extraction efficiency of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidants, and cannabidiol (CBD). A Box-Behnken design (BBD) combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the MAE process. The effects of extraction temperature (90–150°C), extraction time (10–30 min), and solid-to-solvent ratio (SSR) (1:10–1:30 g-dried sample/ml) were investigated. The RSM results indicated that the optimal conditions were a SSR of 1:28.5 g-dried sample/ml, extraction temperature of 150°C, and extraction time of 23 min, yielding 38.75% extraction, 19.08 mg GAE/g dw TPC 8.98 mg QE/g dw TFC, 42.09 mg Trolox/g dw FRAP, and 44.14 mg Trolox/g dw ABTS. This study highlights the significance of MAE technology, particularly the use of water as a green solvent, and identifies optimal conditions for achieving high-quality extracts, facilitating the utilization of C. sativa L. leaves in various high-value applications.