Sorghum pith was treated by NaOH for p-coumaric acid release and enzymatic saccharification.

Strong linear correlation exists between p-coumaric acid release and enzymatic glucose yield.

Desirable conditions were obtained at 37 °C for 12 h with 2% NaOH or 100 °C for 37 min with 1.75% NaOH.

High enzymatic glucose and p-coumaric acid yields can be achieved under above conditions.