Supercritical fluid extraction and gas chromatographic determination of the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide in the medicinal herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Supercritical carbon dioxide was used to extract the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide, which is reported to be the active component of the medicinal herb feverfew ( Tanacetum parthenium ), from dried plant material for gas-liquid chromatographic analysis. The extracts also contained significant amounts of camphor and chrysanthenol acetate. The pressure and densities required for quantitative extraction and the methods of sample collection were studied. The addition of methanol or acetonitrile as modifiers in the carbon dioxide gave higher yields of parthenolide bu the extractions were less selective and considerable amounts of co-extractives were obtained. By employing a trapping column made of cellulose or silica the purity of the extracts could be improved and a practical method for the rapid isolation of parthenolide is described.