Abstract: In this study, supercritical fluid CO2 extraction was applied to extract polygonatum odoratum essential oil. The effects of extraction temperature and pressure as well as separation temperature and pressure on oil yield were investigated in single factor experiments and further, the extraction parameters were optimized using a 4-factor, 3-level, 9-run orthogonal array design based on oil yield. The results showed that extraction temperature of 35 ℃, extraction pressure of 30 MPa, separation temperature of 20 ℃ and separation pressure 9 MPa were found optimal for the extraction of polygonatum essential oil. The oil had certain inhibitory effect against bacteria, mold, yeast and actinomycetes and excellent thermostability.

Key words: Polygonatum odoratum, essential oil, supercritical fluid CO2 oxtraction, antimicrobial, thermostability