Abstract

The stem of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. (D. scandens) is traditionally used to relieve muscle pain; however, its recognized chemical marker, genistein 7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-glucopyranoside (GTG), exhibits lower anti-inflammatory activity than its aglycone, genistein (Gen). This study aimed to develop and optimize an extraction process for D. scandens by integrating pectinase-assisted pretreatment with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using a Box–Behnken design under response surface methodology. The reduced quadratic models for both processes were statistically significant and demonstrated good predictive capability within the investigated ranges. Pectinase pretreatment effectively catalyzed the conversion of GTG to Gen, while MAE significantly enhanced extraction efficiency compared with the conventional method. Extracts obtained from the optimized process exhibited enhanced anti-inflammatory activity, achieving 56.6% inhibition of nitric oxide production and suppression of inflammation-related gene expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, outperforming conventionally prepared extracts. Overall, the integrated enzymatic pretreatment and MAE approach represents a practical process-intensification strategy to improve extraction efficiency, aglycone yield, and functional performance of herbal extracts.