Extraction of pharmaceutical components from Ginkgo biloba leaves using supercritical carbon dioxide.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has many remarkable pharmacological and clinical effects, and it is the most frequently used product as a phytomedicine in many countries. The combination of primary extraction with 70% ethanol followed by extraction using supercritical carbon dioxide provides an efficient and economical means for obtaining flavonoids and terpenoids from Ginkgo biloba leaves. The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is affected by pressure, temperature, and the concentration of modifier in the extractant. At the most favorable experimental conditions of 300 MPa, 60 degrees C, and carbon dioxide containing 5% ethanol as modifier, the yield of GBE powder is 2.1% (based on the air-dry weight of Ginkgo biloba leaves) compared to a yield of only 1.8% by conventional solvent extraction. The contents of flavonoids and terpenoids in SFE products are 35.9% and 7.3%, respectively, which are significantly higher than the general standards of 24% and 6%, respectively.