Effect of Subcritical Fluid Extraction on the High Quality of Headspace Oil from Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton

Subcritical fluid extraction (SFE), as a novel method, was applied to investigate the yield, quality, and sensory evaluation of headspace oil from Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton in comparison with petroleum ether extraction (PEE). The results indicated that the yield of the headspace oil using SFE was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than when using PEE. SFE contributed to obtaining alcohols and ethers, prevented the thermal reaction of terpenes, and reduced α-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene in the headspace oil. The contents of linalool (21.90%) and benzyl acetate (16.31%) were higher via SFE than PEE. In addition, the sensory evaluation of SFE was superior to PEE, indicating a fresh, jasmine-like odor and green-yellow color. Thus, SFE is an improved method for obtaining natural headspace oil from jasmine flowers.