Superficial Fluid Extraction, Identification and Characterisation of High Value Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs Alongwith Study of their Antimicrobial Activity

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is used to obtain extracts from the herbs: 1. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), 2. Mint (Mentha), 3. Motha (Cyperus rotundus) and 4. Changeri (Oxalis corniculata). The influence of pressure and modifiers on the oil yield and content was studied. The extraction pressure ranged from 18.5 to 26.5 MPa at 48 °C. Ethanol was used as a modifier. Components in the extracts were analysed by gas-liquid chromatography and identified using an existing retention index database. Both extraction pressure and fluid modifier alter the extraction yield and its composition. The antimicrobial activity test by the Agar Well Diffusion method of the Tulsi and Mint extract.