Optimization of Phenolics and Carotenoids Extraction from Leaves of Passiflora edulis Using Response Surface Methods

The optimum extraction conditions for the highest recovery of total phenolics and carotenoids contents for leaves of Passiflora edulis were developed using response surface methodology. The effects of solvent concentration (30-100%), extraction temperature (30-60°C) and extraction time (30-90 min) on the recovery of total phenolics and carotenoids were investigated. A second order polynomial model produced a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data with regard to total phenolics (R2 = 84.75%, p < 0.004) and carotenoid (R2 = 78.74, p < 0.019) contents. The optimum extraction conditions of ethanol concentration, extraction temperature and extraction time for phenolics, were 6.1%, 70.2°C, and 110.5 min and for carotenoids, the optimum parameters were 100%, 70.2°C and 110.5 min, respectively. The optimal predicted contents for total phenolics (9.03 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/ g DW) and carotenoids (8.74 mg/g DW) values in the extracts were agreed with the experimental values obtained with optimum extraction conditions for each response.