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Supercritical CO2 Fluid Extraction of Angelica Oil

Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SFE) is a method for extracting compounds from natural sources, including essential oils, using supercritical CO2 as the solvent. Angelica oil is an essential oil extracted from Angelica sinensis, which is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for its various therapeutic properties. This article will discuss the supercritical CO2 fluid extraction of angelica oil, including the process, advantages, and applications.

The SFE Process

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The SFE process involves using supercritical CO2 as a solvent to extract compounds from natural sources. The supercritical CO2 is generated by applying high pressure and temperature to liquid CO2, which results in a state where the solvent has both liquid and gas properties.

The process of extracting angelica oil starts by preparing the plant material, which can be dried roots or rhizomes. The material is then loaded into the extraction vessel and subjected to high pressure and temperature. The supercritical CO2 is passed through the vessel, selectively extracting the target compounds, including angelica oil, from the plant material. The solvent-compound mixture is then separated and depressurized to remove the CO2, leaving behind the extracted essential oil.

Advantages of SFE


SFE has several advantages over other extraction methods. Firstly, it is a clean and efficient process that does not require harmful chemicals or solvents. Supercritical CO2 is non-toxic and can be easily recycled, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Secondly, SFE is a selective method that can target specific compounds based on their solubility properties, allowing for the extraction of high-quality and pure essential oils. This is particularly useful for extracting essential oils from plants that contain other compounds that could interfere with the therapeutic properties of the oil.

Thirdly, SFE can be a cost-effective option, especially for large-scale production. The low boiling point of CO2 means that it can be easily recovered and recycled, reducing the cost of the solvent.

Applications of Angelica Oil


Angelica oil has various therapeutic properties that make it suitable for use in traditional Chinese medicine and aromatherapy. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties, and can also be used as a natural insect repellent.

Angelica oil can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and ease respiratory ailments. It can also be used topically to treat skin conditions and muscle pain. In traditional Chinese medicine, angelica oil is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, promote blood circulation, and nourish the blood.

Comparison with Other Extraction Methods

CO2 Essential Oil Extraction Equipment


There are several other methods for extracting essential oils, such as steam distillation, solvent extraction, and cold pressing. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Steam distillation is a common method for extracting essential oils, but it can result in the degradation of some compounds due to the high temperatures used. Solvent extraction can be highly efficient, but it requires the use of potentially harmful solvents such as hexane. Cold pressing can preserve the natural qualities of the essential oil, but it may not be suitable for all plant materials.

In comparison, SFE offers a clean, efficient, and selective option that does not require harmful chemicals or significant amounts of solvents. It can also target specific compounds based on their solubility, allowing for the extraction of high-quality and pure essential oils.

Angelica

Angelica is the dry root of the Umbelliferae Angelica sinensis.

Pharmacology

Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction of angelica oil

Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the volatile oil components of angelica have the effects of inhibiting platelet arachidonic acid metabolism, alleviating myocardial ischemia, inhibiting uterine smooth muscle contraction, etc., and have a wide range of pharmacological effects in anti-asthmatic, central depression, analgesia, and immune function enhancement. active.

Extract Angelica Oil

The supercritical CO2 extraction of angelica oil has a higher extraction rate and lower extraction temperature than traditional steam distillation extraction of angelica oil and can store a large amount of thermally unstable and easily oxidized components, which overcomes the high temperature, time-consuming, and time-consuming requirements of steam distillation. The shortcomings of easy variation in composition.

Grinding preparation

Preparation of Angelica Oil β-CD Inclusion Compound by Grinding Method According to the pre-test results, weigh an appropriate amount of β-CD into a mortar, add a certain amount of water, and grind evenly.

Dissolve 1g of Angelica oil in 5mL of absolute ethanol, slowly add it to a mortar, continue to grind for a certain period of time, filter with suction, dry at low temperature, and then rinse with petroleum ether 3 times (25mL each time).

After evaporating the petroleum ether, vacuum drying at 40°C for 4 hours to constant weight to obtain (β-CD inclusion compound, weighed and set aside.

Take the dried β-CD inclusion compound, accurately weigh it, determine the angelica oil content, and calculate the inclusion rate.

Scale-up test

The optimal extraction conditions determined by the orthogonal test results of supercritical CO2 extraction of angelica oil were: the extraction temperature was 40°C, the extraction pressure was 15MPa, the analysis temperature was 50°C, and the separation pressure was 6MPa.

Carry out the scale-up test according to the optimization extraction conditions, take 1.6kg of crude angelica powder in a 5L extraction kettle, and repeat the test. The extraction rate of angelica oil is 1.88%, 1.78%, 1.86%, and the average extraction rate is 1.84%. It shows that the process conditions are basically stable and feasible.

CO2 extraction method of angelica oil

The orthogonal test method was used to study the production process of supercritical CO2 extraction to obtain angelica oil. In addition, volatile oil has strong volatility, is unstable when exposed to light and heat, and is easily lost and deteriorated.

In order to effectively prevent the above problems in the preparation process and improve the efficacy and stability of the drug, this experiment used Lin cyclodextrin (8-CD) to clathrate the supercritical extract of Angelica Sinensis and prepare the clathrate by grinding method. The inclusion rate is an index to evaluate the pros and cons of the process, so as to select the optimization inclusion process.

Process

Supercritical CO2 extraction of angelica oil, take the crude powder of angelica medicinal material (320g each time) in a 1L extraction kettle. Adjust the extraction temperature, extraction pressure, analysis temperature, and analysis pressure. After the pressure and temperature reach the set conditions, the cyclic extraction is started. During the extraction process, the carbon dioxide flow rate was 22L/h, and the extraction time was 2h. Collect the extract, weigh it, and calculate the extraction rate.

CO2 Extraction Process

  • Pulverization degree:40 mesh
  • Extraction pressure: 24 MPa
  • Extraction temperature: 60°C
  • Separation pressure I: 12 MPa
  • Separation I temperature: 40°C
  • Separation pressure II: 8 MPa
  • Separation II temperature: 40°C
  • Extraction time: 90 min

Conclusion

Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SFE) is a promising method for extracting essential oils, including angelica oil, from natural sources. Its advantages over other extraction methods include selectivity, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. The therapeutic applications of angelica oil are broad, including traditional Chinese medicine and aromatherapy. By including a list and a table, this article presents the advantages of the SFE process and its comparison with other extraction methods in a clear and concise manner. Therefore, SFE is an ideal choice for companies looking to produce high-quality and pure essential oils in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.

Advantages of Supercritical CO2 Fluid Extraction (SFE):

  1. Clean and environmentally friendly
  2. Selective and precise
  3. Cost-effective

Comparison of Different Essential Oil Extraction Method

MethodAdvantagesDisadvantages
SFEClean, efficient, selective, environmentally friendlyEquipment necessary
Steam distillationCommon, low costHigh temperature can degrade some compounds
Solvent extractionHighly efficientUses potentially harmful solvents
Cold pressingNatural, preserves qualities of oilNot suitable for all plant materials

In summary, SFE represents a powerful method for the extraction of essential oils like angelica oil, offering benefits from the production of pure materials that can be used in natural medicine, cosmetic products, and others. Its advantages over different extraction processes include environmental reliability, highly selective, and cost-effectiveness, which make it an ideal choice for companies looking to produce high-quality essential oils.

The extraction process of angelica oil using SFE is a clean and efficient method that produces high-quality essential oils. Angelica oil has various therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties, which make it appropriate for use in traditional Chinese medicine and aromatherapy.

When compared to other extraction methods, SFE can target specific compounds, is environmentally friendly, and does not require the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Steam distillation is a commonly used method which can result in some compound degradation due to high temperatures used, while solvent extraction is highly efficient but requires the use of harmful solvents such as hexane. Cold pressing, on the other hand, may not be suitable for all plant materials.

In conclusion, SFE is an ideal choice for companies looking to produce high-quality essential oils in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. The therapeutic applications of angelica oil are broad, making it an important component in traditional Chinese medicine and aromatherapy. By providing a list and a table, this article presents the advantages of the SFE process and its comparison with other extraction methods in a clear and concise manner.