Innovative Techniques in Sandalwood Oil Extraction: Optimizing Phenolic and Flavonoid Yields with Subcritical Ethanol

What if the secret to a greener, more potent sandalwood oil lies not in traditional distillation, but in a high-pressure, ethanol-based twist?

Sandalwood oil has long been prized for its rich blend of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, making it a star in perfumery and medicine. But traditional extraction methods come with an environmental cost. This study offers a cleaner path: subcritical ethanol extraction, a green technique that uses moderate pressure and temperature to coax out the oil's best qualities.

Under carefully tuned conditions—6.04 MPa, 109°C, and a flow rate of 2.01 mL/min—the researchers achieved a maximum oil yield of 4.04%. Even better, the extracted oil boasted substantial total phenolic compounds (4.11 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid compounds (8.85 mg QE/100 g), alongside a notable antioxidant activity of 71.68%.

Temperature emerged as the key player. It significantly influenced oil yield, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant power. By fine-tuning the heat, the team enhanced these desired traits, boosting bioactive compounds and heightening the oil's free-radical-fighting potential.

This work demonstrates that sustainable extraction doesn't mean sacrificing quality. With subcritical ethanol, sandalwood oil production can become both eco-friendlier and more potent—a win for science and the planet.

Key Points

• Subcritical ethanol boosts sandalwood oil yield to 4.04%.
• Temperature is key for phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity.
• Green extraction achieves 71.68% antioxidant activity.