Pandanus Odoratissimus Research Articles

Design, Fabrication and Experimental Analysis of Pandanus Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composite

Due to the light weight, high strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance and other advantages, natural fibre based composites are becoming important composite materials in mechanical engineering fields. The current project emphasizes the newly identified Pandanus Fibre (Pandanus Fascicularis) which is extracted from the stem of screw pine tree by the manual water treatment process. The mechanical properties of chopped Pandanus fibre by Polyester composites are investigated and compared with the similar natural fibres in the fibre reinforced composite material field. The composite plates were fabricated with raw pandanus fibres by compression moulding method with varying weight percentage and lengths of fibre.

Evaluation of anti-cancer potential of aqueous extract of Pandanus odoratissimus (Y.Kimura) Hatus. forma ferreus, by in vivo ascitic tumor model in swiss albino mice

Background: India is a rich source of medicinal plants and number of plant extracts are used against diseases in various systems of medicine such as ayurveda, unani and siddha where only a few of them were scientifically explored. Objective: The objective of the present study was undertaken to perform dose dependent anti-cancer effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. odoratissimus roots and leaves whose scientific documentation for anti-tumor agent is lacking despite using traditionally. Materials and Methods: The anti-cancer activity of methanolic extract of P. odoratissimus (MEPO) and aqueous extract of P. odoratissimus (AEPO) were tested against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced liquid tumors in swiss albino mice. The degree of protection was determined by change in body weight (gm), tumour volume (ml), packed cell volume (ml), cell viability (%), hematological parameters (R.B.C, W.B.C and hemoglobin content), mean survival time (MST), % increase in lifespan (% ILS) and histopathological observation of part of peritoneal layer. Results: The treatment with AEPO 400mg/kg, p.o. in EAC treated mice reduced tumor volume, packed cell volume, body weight, cell viability and improved all hematological parameters, mean survival time and life span. Histopathological changes showed degenerative changes of tumor cells in peritoneal layer. The anti-cancer effects of AEPO 400mg/kg, p.o. are equally more with that of the standard drug cisplatin. Conclusion: The results suggested that aqueous extract of roots and leaves of P. odoratissimus possess in vivo anti-cancer activity comparable to cisplatin and this study scientifically validated the traditional use of this plant.

Protective effect of leaf extract of Pandanus odoratissimus Linn on experimental model of epilepsy

Objective: Study the anticonvulsant activity of ethanol extract Pandanus odoratissimus Linn in Swiss albino mice. Research Design and Methods: P. odoratissimus Linn (Pandanaceae) was evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in rodents. Animal models used include maximal electroshock test (MES); picrotoxin induced convulsions (PIC) and strychnine induced convulsion - (SIC). Results: Increase in latency to seizures as well as a reduction in duration and frequency of seizures indicated anticonvulsant activity. The selected extract was more effective in all models used except the SIC. P. odoratissimus ethanol extract (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) significantly (P < 0.05-0.01) shortened the duration of convulsions in MES and PIC-induced seizures. Delay in the onset of convulsions in the two tests was significant (P < 0.01). Reduction in the frequency of seizures was also significant (P < 0.05, 0.01) in both tests. P. odoratissimus further delayed the onset of seizures in PIC induced seizures model while producing (66.7% and 83.33%) protection against death in mice. Diazepam (5 mg/kg) and marketed drug sample of P. odoratissimus (0.5 mg/kg) were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs for various models. Diazepam blocked the effect of the extract in the PIC and SIC tests significantly suggesting that P. odoratissimus may be acting by enhancing the effects of the gamma amino butyric acid ergic system. Conclusions: The ethanol extracts of P. odoratissimus Linn possess anticonvulsant activity since it delays the duration and the latency of seizures produced by MES and PIC.

Post-tsunami natural regeneration of coastal vegetation in the Hambantota district in south-eastern Sri Lanka

A qualitative rapid survey was conducted in 45 plots distributed in the gentle seashore vegetation andsand dunes (n = 13), coastal scrublands (n = 19), and mangroves (n = 13) along the coastline ofHambantota District, affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami. The objective of the survey was toinvestigate the natural regeneration of coastal vegetation 20 months after the tsunami disturbance21 plant species belonging to 19 families were recorded as the prominent plants regenerating inaffected mangroves, while 16 species in 15 families and 32 species in 23 families were observed asprom inent plants to regenerate in affected areas of the gentle sea-shore vegetation and coastalscrublands respectively.In tsunami affected mangrove stands Acanthus iltctfolius (in 50% of study plots), Achrosticumaureum (40%) and Lumnitzera racemosa (17%) were the dominant species establishing in openmuddy substrates, while Clerodendrum inerme (57%), Lumnitzera racemosa and Excoecariaaga//ocha (29% each) were regenerating in sand deposited in the mangrove patches.Ipomoea pes-caprae (85%), Scaevola taccada and Calotropis gigantea (23% each) were observedas the dominant species re-establishing in the gentle seashore vegetation, while Spinifex littoreusshows a slow rate of regeneration. Most of the destroyed Pandanus odoratissimus bushes facingthe beach are not regenerating. Instead a new row of Pandanus was observed regenerating immediatelybacking the original stands. Prominent species regenerating in coastal scrublands are Crotonbonplandianus and Gymnema sylvestre (37% each), Clerodendrum inerme (16%), Calotropisgigantea (10%) and Crateva adansonii (10%) and saplings of Azadirachta indica and Limoniaacidissitna .Invasive alien plants, mainly Opuntia dillennii have established well and spreading vigorously inaffected coastal scrublands (58%), some study plots of gentle seashore vegetation (31 %) as wellas on sand depositions in the affected mangroves (15%). This species was observed replacing thespaces occupied by destroyed Pandanus odoratissimus bushes and Spinifex littoreus beds.Invasive alien plants such as Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara were also spreading intsunami disturbed coastal scrublands.

AM Fungal Status in Ketaka: Pandanus fascicularis From Coastal Region of Konkan, Maharahshtra

Present paper deals with assessment of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM) associated with different populations of Pandanus fascicularis found in coastal region of Konkan Maharashtra. All samples of P. fascicularis roots were colonized by AM fungi. The mean percentage of root length colonization ranged from 39% to 74%. Amongst the thirteen AM fungal morphospecies Kuklospora colombiana was the most widely distributed species. Species richness of AM fungi ranged from 3 to 6. Based on spore density and relative abundance, three species were dominant viz., Acaulospora bireticulata, A. scrobiculata, and K. colombiana. Details of AM fungal status in P. fascicularis are discussed in present paper. Keywords - Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Pandanus fascicularis, Relative abundance, Species diversity, Spore density.

Improvement of effectiveness of existing Casuarina equisetifolia forests in mitigating tsunami damage

Coastal vegetation can play a significant role in reducing the severity of a tsunami because the energy associated with the tsunami is dissipated when it passes through coastal vegetation. Field surveys were conducted on the eastern coastline of Sri Lanka to investigate which vegetation species are effective against a tsunami and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing Casuarina equisetifolia forests in tsunami mitigation. Open gaps in C. equisetifolia forests were identified as a disadvantage, and introduction of a new vegetation belt in front or back of the existing C. equisetifolia forest is proposed to reduce the disadvantages of the open gap. Among the many plant species encountered during the field survey, ten species were selected as effective for tsunami disaster mitigation. The selection of appropriate vegetation for the front or back vegetation layer was based on the vegetation thickness per unit area (dNu) and breaking moment of each species. A numerical model based on two-dimensional nonlinear long-wave equations was applied to explain the present situation of open gaps in C. equisetifolia forests, and to evaluate the effectiveness of combined vegetation systems. The results of the numerical simulation for existing conditions of C. equisetifolia forests revealed that the tsunami force ratio (R = tsunami force with vegetation/tsunami force without vegetation) was 1.4 at the gap exit. The species selected for the front and back vegetation layers were Pandanus odoratissimus and Manilkara hexandra, respectively. A numerical simulation of the modified system revealed that R was reduced to 0.7 in the combined P. odoratissimus and C. equisetifolia system. However, the combination of C. equisetifolia and M. hexandra did not effectively reduce R at the gap exit. Therefore, P. odoratissimus as the front vegetation layer is proposed to reduce the disadvantages of the open gaps in existing C. equisetifolia forests. The optimal width of P. odoratissimus (W1) calculated from the numerical simulation was W1 = 10 m. R at the exit of a 15-m-wide open gap was 0.8, and therefore the proposed system was appropriate for cases with the highest velocity at the gap exit as well. Establishment of a new front vegetation layer except for open gaps that are essential, such as access roads to the beach, is proposed.

Comparison of the formation of nicotinic acid conjugates in leaves of different plant species

There are three metabolic fates of nicotinic acid in plants: (1) nicotinic acid mononucleotide formation for NAD synthesis by the so-called salvage pathway of pyridine nucleotide biosynthesis; (2) nicotinic acid N-glucoside formation; and (3) trigonelline (N-methylnicotinic acid) formation. In the present study, the metabolism of [carbonyl-(14)C]nicotinamide was investigated in leaves of 23 wild plant species. All species readily converted nicotinamide to nicotinic acid, and only a fraction of nicotinic acid was utilised for NAD and NADP synthesis. The remaining nicotinic acid is converted to the nicotinic acid conjugates. Only one plant species, Cycas revoluta, produced both nicotinic acid N-glucoside and trigonelline; the other 22 species produced one or other of the conjugates. The nicotinic acid N-glucoside-forming plants are Cyathea lepifera, Arenga trewmula var. englri, Barringtonia racemosa, Ilex paraguariensis, Angelica japonica, Scaevola taccada and Farfugium japonicum. In contrast, trigonelline is formed in C. lepifera, Ginkgo biloba, Pinus luchuensis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Alocasia odora, Pandanus odoratissimus, Hylocereus undatus, Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe tubiflora, Populus alba, Garcinia subelliptica, Oxalis corymbosa, Leucaena leucocephala, Vigna marina, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Melicope triphylla. The diversity of nicotinic acid conjugate formation in plants is discussed using these results and our previous investigation involving a few model plants, various crops and ferns. Nicotinic acid N-glucoside formation was restricted mostly to ferns and selected orders of angiosperms, whereas other plants produce trigonelline. In most cases the formation of both nicotinic acid conjugates is incompatible, but some exceptions have been found.

Mechanical Properties of Screw Pine (Pandanus Odoratissimus) Fibers—Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Interesting fibers researched was taken from leaves of screw pine plant of species Pandanus Odoratissimus (PO fibers). In this research, effect of alkali treatments for various soaking time and effect of fiber content on mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester matrix composites was studied. Both cross-section area and moisture absorption of individual PO fibers before and after treatment with 5% NaOH solution for various soaking times show changing. The cross section area decreases continuously, since PO fibers were treated for long time. Untreated PO fibers has the highest moisture absorption and PO fibers treated by the longest soaking times has the lowest one. PO fibers treated by longest soaking time displays the largest damage of the fiber structure. PO fiber treated by various soaking time in 5% NaOH for 90 minutes gives effect significantly on increasing tensile strength and tensile modulus of polyester composite. Effect of various PO fiber content on mechanical properties of composite was also shown in this research. Fibers content of 40% displayed maximum tensile strength of composite. From observation with scanning electron microscope (SEM), some conditions of fracture surface of the composite was obtained.

Crystalline Calcium Oxalate in Pandanus Odoratissimus

Pandanus odoratissimus (P. odoratissimus) belongs to the Pandanus genus from Pandanaceae. The research involving this coastal species was reviewed and compiled. From the literature, the pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigations including chromatographic analysis were carried out on the leaves extract. Two phenolic compounds, four lignan type compounds plus a benzofuran derivative were published as the constituents of this plant. In addition, the biological work was also conducted. This included the investigation of antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities of the fractions. In this paper, the microscopical study utilising Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is presented. From the photomicrographs, both fruits and leaves of P. odoratissimus contained singly scattered and bundles of calcium oxalate raphides, observed as acicular crystals, having the shape of narrow, long and pointed needles. In addition, another morphological type of calcium oxalate was also observed. The styloids were detected as rectangular crystals having extensions around their four edges. Previously, the styloids were found in a different Pandanus species, P. gasicus and Freycinetia, another genus of Pandanaceae. In summary, this is the second report of the simultaneous occurrences of two crystalline shapes from a Pandanus.

Alkali Treatment of Screw Pine (Pandanus Odoratissimus) Fibers and Its Effect on Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Characteristics of Screw Pine fiber of species Pandanus Odoratissimus (PO fibers) and short PO fibers reinforced composite were studied. The results show that various alkali concentrations changed ability of PO fibers in absorptions of moisture, chemical compositions and cross-sectional area. The untreated and treated PO fibers were compounded with unsaturated polyester to evaluate their mechanical properties. The treated PO fiber composites exhibit high mechanical properties in comparison with untreated ones. SEM photographs revealed a different fracture surface between untreated PO fiber-reinforced composites and treated ones.

Differences in the growth of beach Pandan, Pandanus odoratissimus, between tropical (Java) and subtropical (southern Japan) zones

Differences in the growth of beach Pandan, Pandanus odoratissimus, between tropical (Java) and subtropical (southern Japan) zones

Antidiabetic activity of Pandanus fascicularis Lamk - aerial roots in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats

Background: The aerial roots of Pandanus fascicularis are used traditionally in treatment of diabetes. Objective: This study evaluated the antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of aerial roots of P . fascicularis . Materials and Methods: Effect of methanolic extract of roots of P . fascicularis on normal blood glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance test were studied in normoglycemic rats while antidiabetic effect was evaluated in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. The extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) was administered orally for 7 days. Glibenclamide (3 mg/kg, orally for 7 days) was used as reference standard. Results: Administration of the methanolic extract of aerial roots of P . fascicularis caused significant dose-dependent reduction in serum glucose in both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats and also improved glucose tolerance test. The treatment also showed the enhanced beta cell function in histological studies. Conclusion: Therefore, this study suggests that methanolic extract of aerial roots of P . fascicularis exhibits antidiabetic activity possibly through increased secretion of insulin and the effect may be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.

Antidiabetic activity and chemical characterization of aqueous/ethanol prop roots extracts of Pandanus fascicularis Lam in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate antidiabetic activity and chemical characterization of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis Lam (P. fascicularis) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. MethodsEthanol and aqueous extracts were prepared from P. facicularis by percolation and cold maturation, respectively. Anti diabetic activity of prop roots of P. fascicularis at the dose of 250 mg/kg in STZ (i.p / 60mg/kg body weight) induced diabetic rats. The fasting blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 1, 2 and 3 hrs after the treatment of ethanol and aqueous extracts. The ethanol fraction was then subjected to chromatographic analysis and a compound has been isolated and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and Mass Spectroscopy. ResultsThe reduced blood glucose level was significant (P < 0.001) in the dose of 250 mg/kg of ethanol and aqueous extracts of P. fascicularis, when compared with control. The blood glucose level of diabetic control animals after 3 h was (226.00 ± 1.78) mg/kg, whereas it were (102.00 ±1.73) mg/kg and (131.00 ± 1.92) mg/kg for the groups treated with aqueous extract and ethanol extract, respectively. The ethanol fraction was then subjected to chromatographic analysis and a compound has been isolated. The structure of the isolated compound is may be characterized as Hepta deca-5-ene-1-ol by analysis it's IR, 1H NMR and Mass spectroscopy data. ConclusionThese results demonstrated that aqueous/ethanol extracts of prop roots of P. fascicularis showed significant anti-diabetic activity, consequently this plant might be of value in diabetes treatment.

Tsunami mitigation by coastal vegetation considering the effect of tree breaking

Damage to vegetation by tsunami moment and reduction of potential tsunami force are discussed based on a numerical simulation. A numerical model based on two-dimensional nonlinear long-wave equations that include drag forces and turbulence-induced shear force due to the presence of vegetation was developed to estimate tree breaking. The numerical model was then applied to a coastal forest where two dominant tropical vegetation species, Pandanus odoratissimus and Casuarina equisetifolia, were considered. The threshold water depth for tree breaking increased with increasing forest width, and the analysis was consistent with the field investigation results that the critical tsunami water depth for breaking is around 80% of the tree height for P. odoratissimus. C. equisetifolia is stronger than P. odoratissimus against tsunami action, but P. odoratissimus can reduce a greater tsunami force than C. equisetifolia due to its complex of aerial root structures. Even if breakage occurs, P. odoratissimus still has high potential to reduce the tsunami force due to its dense aerial root structures. Previous numerical models that do not include the breaking phenomena may overestimate the vegetation effect for reducing tsunami force. The combination of P. odoratissimus and C. equisetifolia is recommended as a vegetation bioshield to protect coastal areas from tsunami hazards.

Hepatotoxic and invivo antioxidant potential of Pandanus odoratissimus against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant effect of methanol extract of Pandanus odoratissimus lim (MEPO) leaf in wistar albino rats. The animals were grouped differently and administered with Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (1.5/kg−1 CCl4 1 ml kg−1 in liquid paraffin 3 doses (i.p) at 72 h interval). The extracts at the doses of 50 and 100 mgkg−1 and Liv 52 25 mg kg−1 were administered to the CCl4 treated rats. The effect of extract and Liv 52 on serum transaminase (GOT, GPT), alkaline phosphatease (ALP), bilirubin and total protein were measured in the rat induced by CCl4. The effect of extract on lipid peroxidation (LPO), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH) and Vitamin E were estimated. The extract and Liv 52 produced significant (P < 0.05) effect by decreasing the activity of serum enzymes, bilirubin, uric acid and lipid peroxidation and significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the level of SOD, CAT, GSH, Vitamin E and protein. Hence these results suggest that Methanolic extract of Pandanus odoratissimus has potent antioxidant properties.

Racocetra undulata, a new species in the Glomeromycetes from Taiwan

A new arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Racocetra undulata (Racocetraceae: Glomeromycetes), was found in soil samples collected from the rhizosphere of two coastal plants, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Pandanus odoratissimus var. sinensis, at depths of 0–20 cm in western Taiwan in October 2007. The 195–225 μm broad, globose to subglobose, pale yellow glomerospores, which form terminally on sporogenous cells, have an undulate wall surface and two walls. The germination shields on the outer surface of the inner wall are ovoid, hyaline to subhyaline, with folds separating wavy lobes. The undulate outer spore surface readily differentiates R. undulata from all other Racocetra species.

Potential of Pandanus odoratissimus as a CNS depressant in Swiss albino mice

In this study, several neuropharmacological effects of methanolic leaf extract of Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) (family; Pandanaceae) were studied in albino mice using various experimental models. The effect of PO on the CNS was studied by using different neuropharmacological paradigms including spontaneous motor activity, rota-rod performance and potentiation of Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time in albino mice. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation and acute toxicity studies were also carried out where LD50 &gt;2000 mg/kg was considered non-toxic through acute exposure in rats by the oral route. The methanolic leaf extract (50,100 and 200 mg/kg i. p.) produced a reduction in spontaneous motor activity, motor coordination and prolonged Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time. Preliminary qualitative chemical studies indicated the presence of steroids, saponins, terpinoids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and phenolics in the extract. These observations suggest that the leaf of Pandanus odoratissimus contains some active principles which possess potential CNS-depressant action

English

Pandanus ordoratissimus is an herb which has been widely used in Thai traditional medicines. A number of studies provided experimental evidence indicating that extracts from roots and leaves of P. ordoratissimus had powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the protective effects of extract from P. ordoratissimus flowers on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced DNA damage have not yet been reported. This study focused on assessing the protective effect of P. odoratissimus extract (POE) against UVB by using human keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) as an in vitro testing system. The keratinocytes were pre-treated with POE before being assayed for DNA damages caused by UVB (290 to 315 nm). Ascorbyl glucoside and DN-AGE ® , reagents commonly used in cosmetic products to protect the skin against UV exposure due to their abilities to scavenge free radicals, were used as positive controls. The alkaline comet assay was used to quantify DNA damage. Photo-dependent cytogenetic lesions were assessed by the micronucleus test (MNT). It was found that POE effectively reduced the extent of DNA breakages and cytogenetic lesions upon exposure to UVB (erythemal ultraviolet (EUV); 17.09 mJ/cm 2 ). POE significantly decreased tail DNA (TD%), tail length (TL) and micronucleus frequencies (MNFs) which is similar to the protective effects provided by ascorbyl glucoside and DN-AGE ® . Key words : Pandanus odoratissimus, comet assay, micronucleus test.

Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis Lam

Objective To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis ( P. fascicularis) Lam (pandanaceae). And provide experimental evidence for its traditional use such as rheumatoid arthritis and spasmodic. Methods The anti-inflammatory activity was observed by carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw of rats. Analgesic activities of prop roots of P. fascicularis were determined using acetic acid induced writhing model and tail clip method in mice and rat, respectively. The ethanol fraction was then subjected to chromatographic analysis and a compound has been isolated and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and mass spectroscopy. Results Edema suppressant effect of ethanol extract was found to be 37.03% inhibition whereas aqueous extract was found to be 63.22% inhibition after 3 h which was nearly equivalent to that of 10 mg/kg of indomethacin (67.81%). Percentage inhibition of writhing compared to control were 63.15%, 54.38%, 14.90% for aspirin, aqueous extract and ethanolic extract, respectively. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts show significant activity against appropriate controls after 60 min of treatment on tail clip method. The structure of the isolated compound is may be characterized as Hepta deca-5-ene-1-ol by analysis it's IR, 1H-NMR and mass spectroscopy data. Conclusions The extracts of prop roots of P. fascicularis produce significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the traditional application of this herb in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain.

LIQUID CO2 EXTRACTION OF FLOWERS OF PANDANUS FASCICULARIS LAM. AND FRACTIONATION OF FLORAL CONCRETE AND COMPARATIVE COMPOSITION OF THE EXTRACTS

Kewda (Pandanus fascicularis Lam.) is an important economic plant, and its male inflorescence is used in the production of kewda perfumes. It grows wild and is also cultivated; an estimated 35 million flowers (3,500 tons) worth $10 million are processed annually in Ganjam (19.18°N, 84.51°E) India. Kewda products are used in flavoring tobacco, foods and sweet meats, and in traditional medicines. Extraction of flowers with hexane furnishes the “concrete,” which, on fractionation with cold methanol, gives “absolute.” We have now fractionated the concrete with liquid CO2 to obtain fractions enriched with benzenoids and terpenoids. We have also carried out direct liquid CO2 extraction of flowers. It is notable that in liquid CO2 fractionation, a solvent-free product with improved organoleptic profile is obtained. The direct extraction of flowers with liquid CO2 afforded a superior product in 0.24% yield; however, the process is suitable for extraction in the laboratory only. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Kewda products are used in flavoring tobacco, foods and soft drinks. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation gave very low yield, where as hexane extract (concrete) yielded nearly 10 times more in comparison to essential oil. The concrete and absolute obtained by partial precipitation of wax may not be suitable for use in foods because of the presence of organic solvent residues. The liquid CO2 fractionation of concrete, however, affords absolute with similar composition but free from solvent residues, and is recommended for using in foods. Further liquid CO2 fraction of concrete is organoleptically superior compared with absolute obtained in the conventional way. Similarly, extraction of flowers in liquid CO2 gave higher yield of valuable components with less percentage of waxy materials. Because bulk density of flowers is low, large liquid CO2 plant is required for commercial scale production, making CO2 fractionation of concrete an attractive alternative process.