Optimization of Lagunaria patersonii leaf extract employing Box–Behnken design and dual-wavelength approach of tiliroside linked to anti-inflammatory activity

Abstract Background Lagunaria patersonii , a valuable member of the Malvaceae family, holds growing economic and therapeutic interest. This study aimed to optimize the ethanolic extraction of its leaves to maximize both extract yield and concentration of tiliroside, a bioactive compound with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Optimization was performed using Box–Behnken Design (BBD) evaluating three variables: plant material/solvent ratio, ethanol/water ratio, and extraction time. Tiliroside concentration was optimized using a dual-wavelength absorbance method which validated by UPLC-ESI–MS. Results Increasing the plant material/solvent ratio (Factor A) significantly increased the yield by 26-fold compared to extraction time (Factor C), while a higher ethanol/water ratio (Factor B) significantly reduced the yield. Biologically, the optimized extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity estimated by reactive oxygen species inhibition. Importantly, the isolated tiliroside significantly inhibited nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 more than the optimized extract. The BBD approach provided key insights, enabling the optimization of the extract. Conclusion The study effectively optimized the extraction of L. patersonii leaves and highlighted the valuable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of both the optimized extract and its major compound, tiliroside. The integrated use of BBD and dual-wavelength tracking demonstrated significant value in enhancing both yield and bioactivity, offering a promising platform for developing plant-based anti-inflammatory agents. The approach applied was proved to be cost-effective.