Establishment of HPLC method and optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction process for two lignan active substances in Asarum heterotropoides

In the present study, developed a dependable HPLC technique to quantify asarinin and sesamin in Asarum heterotropoides Fr. Schmidt var. mandshuricum (Maxim.) Kitag. The optimal conditions for the ultrasonic-assisted extraction were determined by conducting single-factor experiment, Plackett-Burman design experiment, and Box-Behnken response surface method. Based on actual operation factors and analysis, the optimal extraction parameters were methanol volume fraction of 80% (v/v), liquid-to-material ratio of 10:1 (mL/g), ultrasonic time of 40 min, ultrasonic temperature of 51°C, and ultrasonic power of 300 W. When subjected to these conditions, the average asarinin and sesamin content were found to be 13.40 mg/g and 2.39 mg/g, respectively, with a relative error of 1.04% and 3.46%, which was consistent with the theoretical value. This study can offer a theoretical reference for the extraction of asarinin and sesamin in Asarum.