The sonoextraction (SE) of aescin saponins and phenolic compounds from the inedible seed kernels of Aesculus
hippocastanum was optimized using a central composite rotatable design coupled with response surface methodology,
where the joint effects of ultrasonic power, sonication time, and ethanol proportion were investigated.
Flavonol glycosides (≥90 % of the phenolic fraction), flavan-3-ols, phenolic acids, and aescin saponins were
identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn, and the quantitative data was fitted to a quadratic model to predict the
optimal SE conditions. After validating the models, the significant effect of the three factors was confirmed. The
extraction of flavonols was maximized to 48 ± 2 mg/g extract by SE at 105.9 W for 4.1 min in 83.9 % ethanol,
while 19.9 min sonication at 100.9 W in 95.8 % ethanol favored the recovery of 3.8 ± 0.1 mg/g extract of aescin
saponins. A process for simultaneous SE of both classes of phytochemicals was also established. Overall, these SE
processes proved to be time-saving and selective for the A. hippocastanum seed active constituents, which are
cognized for their wide range of bioactivities and applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food
industries.
