Microwave assisted extraction of flavonoids from cultivated Epimedium sagittatum: Extraction yield and mechanism, antioxidant activity and chemical composition.

Highlights: [•] Microwave assisted extraction of flavonoids from cultivated E. sagittatum was optimized for the first time. [•] The mechanism underlying microwave assisted extraction was studied. [•] Flavonoid extracts obtained by microwave assisted extraction exhibited relatively high antioxidant activities. [•] Chemical composition of flavonoids extracted by various extraction methods was analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]