Supercritical fluid extraction: A new technology to herbals

Abstract

In Pharmacognosy, extraction of phytochemicals is one of the most fundamental process, which have Witnessed Sea of changes over the period. From centuries, we are striving to develop more effective ways to extract valuable constituents. Starting with galanicals, different solvents, steam, microwave, heat, different methods and equipments all were tried at the best to extract as much as possible. The latest among these is Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). In this advent, carbon dioxide (CO2) is mainly used as mobile phase for separation of compounds. This technique is modern, fast and scalable, which can be used to extract, isolate and separate. SFE enjoys some advantages like ultra-pure quality, higher extraction yield and low solvent residue. SFE has been applied to wide variety of materials including natural products, drugs, foods, pesticides, herbicides, surfactants, polymers and polymer additives, fossils fuels, petroleum, explosives and propellants. In coming years, supercritical fluid extraction can give more impetus of crescendo and roll wheel of Pharmacognosy research at great velocity.