Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates) essential oil was extracted with dense carbon dioxide at 23-50 degreesC and 85-120 bar. The composition of samples collected during the first and the last hours of the extraction experiments was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and coextraction of cuticular waxes was observed. Liquid carbon dioxide extracts had a larger quantity of coextracted waxes than the supercritical extracts. The process condition of 120 bar and 40 degreesC was considered ideal for the extraction of lemongrass essential oil, as a good-quality product was obtained together with a good extraction rate and yield. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.