The composition of the volatile oil of Ferulago nodosa obtained by steam distillation and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

The volatile components of Ferulago nodosa (L.) Boiss, were obtained by sim ultaneous steam-distillation extraction (SDE), and supercritical-fluid extr action (SFE). Gas chromatographic analyses showed different qualitative and quantitative profiles between the oils obtained by the two different proce dures. The product of SDE contained several aromatic components, including the main compound 2,3,4-trimethylbenzaldehyde (42.2%), which were artefacts formed by thermolysis of a non-volatile monoterpenoid compound present in the plant. However, SFE gave primarily alpha-pinene (55.4%), myrcene (10.1% ), cis-beta-ocimene (7.0%), beta-phellandrene (5.6%) and sabinene (4.5%) Co pyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.