Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Stabilization of Phenolic CompoundsFrom Natural Sources – Review (Supercritical Extraction and Stabilizationof Phenolic Compounds)

Abstract

Phenolic compounds are components commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Recently, they have been sub- ject of considerable scientific and therapeutic interest mainly due to their antioxidant properties and related health- promoting benefits, as confirmed by the numerous papers devoted to various properties of these compounds. Thus, the ex- tractions of phenolic compounds with functional properties from natural sources have attracted special interests. Super- critical fluid extraction offers a number of advantages over conventional extraction methods above all in relation to the conditions employed during the extraction process that ensures minimal alteration of the active phenolics and the healing properties could be more easily preserved. This work provides an updated overview on the principal applications of Su- percritical fluid extraction in recovery of bioactive phenolics emphasizing the effects of temperature, pressure, addition of co-solvents and time on the extraction yield of these compounds and their antioxidant activities for a possible applications in food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical industries.