Bioactivity and Kinetic Study of <i>Jatropha curcas</i> Essential Oil Extraction Using Supercritical CO<sub>2</sub>

Abstract

This study reports the extraction of Jatropha curcas leaves using supercritical CO 2. Experiments were performed varying the pressure (13 and 20 MPa) and the temperature (50˚C and 60˚C). The model of Sovová for supercritical fluid extraction was fitted to the experimental kinetic extraction curves. Two cell sizes were used and scale up equations compared. GC analysis showed phytol, carvacrol, and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone as major compounds in all the experiments. A maximum yield of 0.95% dry-weight basis was obtained. It was observed a maximum yield (0.95% dry-weight basis) extract obtained at 20 MPa and 50˚C. The results indicated that the mass yield increased with the increase of pressure. The bioassays showed that the extract of J. curcas possessed toxicity against Hyalomma lusitanicum.