A Novel Approach towards Green Extraction for Glycyrrhitinic Acid by Ionic Liquid Based Microwave Assisted Extraction and Optimization through Response Surface Methodology

Background: Extraction process plays an important role in extraction of herbal bioactive components. Ionic liquid based microwave assisted extraction (IL-MAE) has the potential to yield maximum analytes from the crude drugs in shorter time period with less solvent consumption and greater efficiency. Objective: The present study aimed to develop new protocol of Ionic Liquids based Microwave-assisted Extraction (ILs-MAE) of glycyrrhetinic acid from licorice; optimization of the protocol through RSM and comparison of IL-MAE with conventional extraction techniques like maceration and soxhlation by HPTLC. Materials and Methods: A novel ionic liquid-based microwave assisted extraction (IL-MAE) method was carried out for glycyrrhitinic acid from Glycyrrhiza glabra using ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride ([bmim]Cl) and optimized by response surface methodology. The variable microwaveassisted extraction parameters selected were concentration of [bmim]Cl, extraction time and microwave power while solid-liquid ratio and extraction temperature were kept constant. Response surface methodology was applied for developing, improving and optimizing the whole process and comparison of IL-MAE with maceration and soxhlation by HPTLC. Results: The yield of glycyrrhitinic acid was found to be 0.48 % w/w in maceration in 7 days, 0.76 % in soxhlation in 3 h and 2.54 % w/w in IL-MAE in 4 min. Conclusion: IL- MAE of glycyrrhitinic acid from Glycyrrhiza glabra was proved to be better in respect of extraction efficiency, time and quantity of solvent used. Meanwhile, there was great reduction in the environmental pollution by using the green solvents/ ionic liquids (ILs), which is a great benefit to all.