Wen Qi-biao

Effect of three extraction methods on the volatile component of Illicium verum Hook. f. analyzed by GC-MS

The physical properties and chemical components of three oil samples extracted from Illicium verum Hook. f. by steam distillation (SD), solvent extraction (SE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were compared with one another and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The quality parameters of star anise essential oil from SFE were close to that of those came from SD and SE. Although the extraction yield of star anise by SFE (9.2 %) was close to the value from SE (9.3%), it was yet higher than that came from SD (8.2%). For sensory evaluation, however, three oils were significantly different. The odor and taste of the products from SFE and SE were generally more natural and vivid than that came from distilled oil. The volatile compound revealed that significant differences of the composition existed in the distilled oil and the oleoresins prepared by SFE and SE.