Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of marigold at high pressures: comparison of analytical and pilot-scale extraction.

The effects of pressure and co-solvent on the extraction of anti-inflammatory faradiol esters in marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) were investigated by supercritical fluid extraction at laboratory and pilot scales. Pressures higher than 300 bar and modifier (ethanol) concentrations ranging from 0 to 20% (v/v) were used at an extraction temperature of 50 degrees C. With an analytical extractor, exhaustive extraction of the drug and highest concentrations in the extracts were achieved with 0.5% ethanol at the maximum pressure of 689 bar. Increased modifier concentrations improved the extractability at lower pressure, but the higher amount of total extractables led to a lower concentration of faradiol esters in the extracts. The HPLC fingerprints of the extracts, the yields of total extract and the concentration of faradiol esters obtained with analytical and pilot scale extractors under the same conditions were comparable.