Supercritical fluid extraction from chamomile flowers from Tarma, Peru: yield, kinetics, and composition

Chamomile is a source of bioactive compounds. In the province of Tarma, Peru, chamomile is commercialized for use in traditional medicine and tea-making. The present study aimed to obtain chamomile flower extracts (CFEs) using supercritical CO₂ (200 bar and 40 °C) and to analyze their composition. Chamomile flowers produced in Tarma were used in the extractions. The CFE was collected into a flask adapted for weight control during the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process. The CFEs were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to determine their composition. A yield of 2.8 ± 0.3 % CFE was obtained after 122 min of extraction with a CO₂ flow rate of 5.38 g/min. During the SFE extraction process, a colorless extract with an aroma characteristic of chamomile flower essential oil was initially obtained, followed by an amber-colored extract with an oily texture and aroma characteristic of chamomile. According to the behavior of the extraction kinetics, it is likely that part of the colorless extract was volatilized with the solvent flow during the process. The CFE presented 57 chemical compounds, with the most abundant being 4-(4-Hydroxy-2,2,6-trimethyl-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]hept-1-yl)butan-2-one (12.86%), (Z)-2-(Hexa-2,4-diyn-1-ylidene)-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.4]non-3-ene (11.82%), 2,6,10,10-Tetramethyl-1-oxaspiro[4.5]decan-6-ol (11.54%), pentacosane (8.07%), cyclohexanethiol, 2,5-dimethyl-, acetate (5.61%), and tetracontane (5.26%). The CFE obtained using supercritical CO₂ has an interesting composition of bioactive compounds, requiring further studies for its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.