Dynamic extraction of spearmint oil components by using supercritical CO2

The effects of various extraction conditions on the dynamic extraction of t he essential oil components carvone and limonene from spearmint leaves usin g SC-CO2 were investigated. The extraction rate increased with increasing p ressure or decreasing temperature. An increase of the CO2 flow rate increas ed the extraction rate but decreased the solvent efficiency of CO2. Ground leaf samples with a smaller particle size showed an enhanced initial extrac tion rate for carvone as compared to larger particle size leaf samples. The use of an ethanol modifier did not enhance the extraction rate but did cau se the coextraction of pigment and waxy substances.