Abstract
In the present study, sunflower leaves were extracted using an analytical-scale SFE under a wide range of extracting conditions with the objective of determining not only the best extraction conditions but also the variables that control the process in terms of the extraction yields and bioactivities of the extracts obtained. The results showed that 15 % of water as a modifier of carbon dioxide is the most efficient solvent to obtained the best extraction yields. However, the best activity profiles were obtained for the samples extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide and 5% water at 500 bar. The extract obtained in a pilot plant with CO2 and 5 % H2O at 400 bar and 50 ºC was fractionated and 5 major compounds were identified: tambulin, heliannone A, kaempferol-3-glucoside, niveusin B, and pinoresinol.
