Microwave-assisted extraction kinetics of terpenes from caraway seeds

The process conditions during the extraction of carvone and limonene from caraway seed (Carum carvi L.) with microwave-assisted extraction have been studied with respect to microwave power, radiation dose and extraction time in order to obtain the secondary metabolites selectively. Using classical solid-liquid extraction, limonene, carvone and fatty oils in both the raw material and the residual matrix material were extracted. Yields of limonene, carvone and total oil (C16, C18) were determined by GC and GC/MS analysis for both extracts. The effects of microwaves on cell walls and cells destruction could be seen on SEM micrographs.