Application of SCF to Cannabinoids Extraction

L.J. ROVETTO; T. ASHURST; B. BIRCH ; J. A. MACKAY; N. AIETA

Viña del Mar

Conferencia; Prosciba IV Iberoamerican Conference of SuperCritical Fluids; 2016

Universidad Técnica Federico Santa Maria , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

There is a growing worldwide interest in the use of cannabinoids with medicinal purposes, mainly driven by its decriminalization and/or legalization in some countries [1] and the increasing demand. There are more than 60 different phytocannabinoids known in this millenary plant [2], but the most recognized and studied active metabolites are the psychoactive Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid considered with a broader scope of potential medical applications. These cannabinoids are obtained from Cannabis Sativa L. plants, mainly the subspecies Sativa or Indica respectively; however, there is a very wide range of cannabinoids composition on the hundreds of varieties or hybrid strains cultivated nowadays. Cannabis consumption has commonly been associated with motor skills deficiency, respiratory and cardiovascular health problems. Current ongoing research on the various components of cannabis have been found to be effective for treatment of sclerosis, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, appetite stimulant and prevent nauseas, among other health benefits[3]. Smoked herbal cannabis is the most common method of consumption for cannabis product around the world, but can be unhealthy and dangerous due to the fact that toxins and carcinogens are released from the combustion of materials. In addition to plant material, Cannabis resins commonly referred to a ?hashish? is primarily used in Europe, while cannabis oil is less widely used [1]. The extraction of cannabis to make and other forms of concentrate is a function of the solubility of THC and other cannabinoids in different organic solvents (hydrocarbons and alcohols). Solvents like butane, hexane, etc. are currently applied, however there safety considerations related to their toxicity and flammability exist [4]. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is an emerging technology applied to this particular vegetable matrix [5]. The benefits of using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent are very well known. Regardless of its rising popularity and usage, there is little solubility data available [5], and very limited reported information about the efficiency of the extraction process, complete method description or composition of intermediate or final products. This work presents general results on the use of the SFE Bio-Botanical Extraction System (Waters Corporation), provided with 2x5 litre extraction vessel, and 3x1 litre collection vessels, Pressures up to 340 bar and temperature of 328K were applied, ethanol was used as a co-solvent for some of the extractions.