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The extract of lemon verbena ( Aloysia triphylla ) was obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using laboratory and pilot scale equipments. The scale-up criterion selected (maintaining solvent to feed ratio constant) was successfully used for a 14-fold scale-up. The extract obtained in pilot scale was separated in three fractions, which were characterized as for their phytochemical profile, total flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity. The extracts obtained by SFE were compared to classical Soxhlet extraction method. Maximum yield obtained for SFE was 1.8%, and for Soxhlet, 7.1%. The chemical composition revealed different phytochemical profiles for SFE and Soxhlet extracts; the last ones presented more flavonoids, while SFE extracts were more concentrated in volatile compounds. The major compounds identified in the volatile fraction of the extracts were spathulenol, phytol and octadecatrienal. Some extracts presented pro-oxidant activity and others presented antioxidant activity. The SFE p...

Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Pimpinella anisum (anise) extracts were obtained by Soxhlet, cold percolation, ultrasound assisted extraction, and centrifugal extraction using ethanol as solvent; anise extracts were also obtained by steam distillation. Soxhlet presented the highest yields for both fennel and anise seed (16.8% and 23.3%, respectively). The highest anethole content among ethanolic extracts was obtained for centrifugal extraction (6.8 mg/g and 143 mg/g for fennel and anise extracts, respectively). Steam distillation presented low yield (0.26%), but high anethole content (68–98%, area). Anise ethanolic extracts also tested positive for flavonoids.