optimization of ultrasound-assisted acidic-solvent extraction of colchicine from colchicum kurdicum (bornm.) stef. using response surface methodology

Background and objectives: colchicum kurdicum (bornm.) stef. is a flowering perennial monocotyledon plant that has many important bioactive compounds especially colchicine and colchicine derivatives. in this study, the ultrasound-assisted acidic-solvent extraction method coupled with response-surface method was presented as the successful method for large scale extraction of colchicine as an alkaloid compound from colchicum kurdicum. methods: according to the literatures, methanol/deionized water (70:30) solvent system was selected for the extraction. in addition, the response-surface method was used for analysis and optimization of colchicine extraction by ultrasonic-assisted acidic solvent extraction method. subsequently, colchicine was extracted using this method and the effects of solvent ph, extraction time, solvent/plant ratio, power, and temperature were evaluated. results: after all analysis procedures, 0.99 mg colchicine/g dried corms was achieved with the following conditions: solvent ph 4, extraction time 120 minutes, solvent/plant ratio 20 ml/g, power 100 w, and temperature 60 ºc. conclusion: according to this study, ultrasonic assisted acidic solvent extraction was found an effective method for extraction of colchicine from colchicum kurdicum (bornm.) stef. compared to other extraction methods.