Extraction of indole alkaloids fromCatharanthus roseus by using supercritical carbon dioxide

Summary Indole alkaloids, particularly vindoline and catharanthine, were extracted from the leaves ofCatharanthus roseus by supercritical extraction with CO₂. The contents of vindoline and catharanthine in the extracts were determined by HPLC and identified by LC/MS. About 52 %(w/w) of the initial vindoline content, 1.5 mg vindoline/g dry wt leaves, was recovered after extracting this material for 10 h with the CO₂ flow rate of 400 ml/min at 40°C and 150 bar. Vindoline concentration in the extract was 67 %(w/w).