Optimization of Flavonoid Extraction in Dendrobium officinale Leaves and Their Inhibitory Effects on Tyrosinase Activity

In order to establish the extraction technology of flavonoids from Dendrobium officinale leaves, a method combining Plackett–Burman design (PBD), steepest ascent design, and central composite design was developed to optimize the extraction of flavonoids. In addition, the tyrosinase activity inhibition of flavonoids was further tested in vitro. PBD results showed that ethanol concentration and number of extractions were key factors. Response surface methodology (RSM) indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were 78% ethanol concentration, six extraction times, 2 h, and 1:50 solid-liquid ratio. Under these conditions, the total flavonoid content could reach 35 mg/50 mL. In vitro tyrosinase experiment, the extracted total flavonoids had better inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity than β-arbutin, and its inhibition rate for monophenolase and diphenolase exceeded 100% and 70%, respectively. These results indicate that RSM can effectively improve the extraction of flavonoids from Dendrobium officinale leaves and the flavonoids have the prospect of being applied to foods and cosmetics.