In the present study, the optimization process of phenolic compounds extraction and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical-scavenging assay, FRAP test, and oxidative stability index) of Ferula persica was evaluated using ultrasound waves through response surface methodology (RSM). To optimize the extraction process from the central composite design with three independent variables including time (5, 27.5 and 50 minutes), temperature (25, 45 and 65 ° C) and ethanol ratio in water-ethanol solvent (0, 50 and 100% ) was used. In general, the results of analysis of variance showed that independent parameters had a significant effect on the DPPH radical-scavenging assay, FRAP test, and oxidative stability index of Ferula persica extract, their Correlation coefficients (R²) were 0.91, 0.94 and 0.93, respectively. However, the proposed model for total phenolic compounds does not indicate the significant effect of these mention parameters. The results showed that the optimum conditions for antioxidant activity of Ferula persica extract were at 52.9 ° C and 53.5% ethanol concentration in water-ethanol solvent with 34.1 minutes for sonication. It was also found that the experimental results were close to those predicted by the response surface methodology. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity results of various extracts of Ferula persica showed that in most conditions, it has a suitable antioxidant power.

Keywords: Ferula persica, Ultrasound waves, Antioxidant Activity, Optimization, Response surface methodology.

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