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Journal of Supercritical Fluids, Vol.135, 263-274, 2018
Extraction of Eucalyptus leaves using solvents of distinct polarity. Cluster analysis and extracts characterization
Extracts of Eucalyptus globulus leaves were produced and characterized aiming their enrichment in natural bioactive compounds such as triterpenic acids (TTAs). Soxhlet (methanol, ethanol and dichloromethane) and supercritical (CO2 with/without ethanol) extractions performed under different conditions were assessed by the total extraction yield, TTAs extraction yield, and extracts concentration, and the results were compared to published data for bark and/or leaves of other species. A fast and simple dewaxing pretreatment of the leaves was implemented and its influence on extract production was evaluated. The various extracts, the leaves and the pure TTAs were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), and the data thoroughly discussed by chemometric methods. Overall, this work provides guidelines for the production of natural extracts enriched in triterpenic acids.
Keywords:Biomass pretreatment;Cluster analysis;Eucalyptus globulus leaves;Soxhlet extraction;Supercritical CO2 extraction;Triterpenic acids