Supercritical fluid extraction of kava lactones from Kava root and their separation via supercritical fluid chromatography

Seven Kava lactones were extracted from Kava root using both pure and 15 % ethanol modified CO2. Most of the Kava lactones were extracted employing 100 % CO2 with an efficiency greater than 90 % relative to conventional solvent extraction using organic solvents. Extraction efficiency did not increase significantly when using 15 % ethanol-modified CO2 as an extraction fluid. Separation of extracted Kava lactones was obtained using various packed columns and methanol-modified CO2. An optimized separation was achieved using either an amino or protein C-4 column at 125 atm and 80 degrees C. Semi-preparative separation of Kava lactones was also obtained using two columns connected in series.