Simultaneous Distillation, Extraction and Supercritical Fluid Extraction for Isolating Volatiles and Other Materials from Conifer Needles

Abstract

Simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO₂ of Estonian spruce and pine needles were applied with the aim to ensure complete extraction. The composition of the extract was measured for both extraction methods. SFE at used conditions did not exceed SDE in extraction of monoterpenes but was far better in extraction of oxygenated mono- and sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids. Extract yields from pine needles was considerably higher than from spruce. Additionally, the SFE extracts of spruce needles contained semi-volatile compounds not obtained in SDE extracts. The use of organic modifiers in the C0₂ increased the yield in SFE.