Comparison of essential oil of Perovskia abrotanoides Karel. obtained from hydro-distillation and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction methods

Abstract

The medicinal properties of the genus Perovskia especially for leishmaniasis treatment in Iranian folk medicine have been frequently reviewed in the literature. Extraction method is one of the most important factors that affects the quality of the extracts obtained from medicinal plants, so it should be considered carefully for obtaining the highest yield and quality. In recent decades, supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) has received an increased deal of attention for extraction of essential oils at moderate temperatures, without using organic liquids that are potentially unhealthy and environmentally unfriendly. This study presents the first supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extraction of essential oil from flower of P. abrotanoides and the investigation of the effects of different parameters such as pressure, temperature, and extraction time for obtaining the highest yield. It is shown that pressure in the range of 12-20 MPa is the most important parameter and the highest extraction yield is obtained with the value of 6.66% (w/w) at 20 MPa, 327.5 K, and 70 min. Besides, the quality and composition of the obtained oil are investigated using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the results are compared with that of essential oil from hydro-distillation method. It is indicated that supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is able to isolate the flower oil in the lower time with an acceptable composition and quality.