Objective: To optimize supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction process parameters of lignans from Kadsura heteroclita (Roxb.) Craib.
Methods: The supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction was adopted to extract lignans. The contents of total lignans and gamma-schisandrin were determined to test the influence of pressure, temperature, grinding particle size and flow rate of CO2.
Results: The extraction pressure and grinding particle size had significant effects on the content of total lignans and gamma-schisandrin. However, The extraction temperature and flow rate of CO2 had no significant effect on them.
Conclusion: The optimum process parameters are as fouons: pressure is 10 MPa, temperature is 45 degrees C, flow rate of CO2 is 30 L/h and herbs are granulated.