Ultrasound-assisted dynamic extraction of valuable compounds from aromatic plants and flowers as compared with steam distillation and superheated liquid extraction.

A method for the extraction of valuable compounds from plants and flowers (viz. laurel, rosemary, thyme, oregano and tuberose) is proposed. The dynamic approach allows go-and-backward circulation of the extractant (ethanol) through the solid sample subjected to the action of an ultrasound probe (thus reducing sample amount and avoiding overpressure). A multivariate optimisation study and application of the optimum values of the variables to kinetics studies show that 10 min is sufficient to obtain extraction efficiencies that greatly surpass those provided by steam distillation for essential oils or superheated liquid extraction for these oils and other valuable compounds, with lower costs and higher quality of the extract. The extraction time of the proposed method is 176-165 min shorter than steam distillation and 31-20 min shorter than superheated liquid extraction, depending on the target compound.