Ultrasound-assisted extraction of ginsenosides from ginseng in supercritical CO₂

In order to explore the effect of ultrasound on the extraction of ginsenosides from ginseng in Supercritical CO₂ Extraction(SCE), the extraction rates of ginsenosides under with and without ultrasound were compared at different extraction temperatures, pressures, times and fluid flow rates. Results show that the suitable extraction temperature of Ultrasound-assisted Supercritical CO₂ Extraction(USCE) is lower 10 ℃ than that of without ultrasound. At their suitable extraction pressures, the ginsenosides extraction rate of USCE is 1.64 times of that of SCE. Higher flow rate of CO₂ is beneficial to USCE than to SCE. Ultrasound added in SCE can improve extraction rate and reduce energy consumption and cost.