Oily seed extracts were used as research samples in Analytical Laboratory of Raw Materials and Plant Products. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction on an industrial scale was used to prepare extracts from raw plant materials, usually berry seeds: blackcurrant, raspberry, strawberry, and chokeberry. Gas chromatography analysis was performed on Agilent equipment with single quadrupole mass spectrometer detector and split/splitless injector. Fatty acids (FAs) were determined using indirect method, where they were converted to c o r r e s p o n d i n g m e t h y l e s t e r s ( FA M E s ) d u r i n g trimethylsulfonium hydroxide solution reaction. Comparing the mass spectrum and retention time peak, more than 30 compounds in different oily extracts were qualitatively identified. Quantification of individual fatty acids was based on two different methods. Firstly, it was based on the received peak area, and the results were normalized without correction factor. Secondly, the quantification was based on external calibration curve, for 34 identified fatty acids. The method was validated, and the results, e.g., linearity, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ), were presented.

Carlina acaulis L. has a long tradition of use in folk medicine. The chemical composition of the roots and green parts of the plant is quite well known. There is the lowest amount of data on the cypsela (fruit) of this plant. In this study, the microscopic structures and the chemical composition of the cypsela were investigated. Preliminary cytochemical studies of the structure of the Carlina acaulis L. cypsela showed the presence of substantial amounts of protein and lipophilic substances. The chemical composition of the cypsela was investigated using spectrophotometry, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric and fluorescence detection. The cypsela has been shown to be a rich source of macro- and microelements, vegetable oil (25%), α-tocopherol (approx. 2 g/kg of oil), protein (approx. 36% seed weight), and chlorogenic acids (approx. 22 g/kg seed weight). It also contains a complex set of volatile compounds. The C. acaulis cypsela is, therefore, a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive substances.

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. is a medicinal plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. However, due to the overexploitation, this species is considered to be endangered and is included in the Red List, e.g., in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, a new source of this important plant in Europe is needed. The aim of this study was to develop pharmacognostic and phytochemical parameters of the fruits. The content of polyphenols (eleutherosides B, E, E1) and phenolic acids in the different parts of the fruits, as well as tocopherols, fatty acids in the oil, and volatile constituents were studied by the means of chromatographic techniques [HPLC with Photodiode-Array Detection (PDA), headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS–SPME/GC–MS)]. To the best of our knowledge, no information is available on the content of eleutherosides and phenolic acids in the pericarp and seeds. The highest sum of eleutheroside B and E was detected in the whole fruits (1.4 mg/g), next in the pericarp (1.23 mg/g) and the seeds (0.85 mg/g). Amongst chlorogenic acid derivatives (3-CQA, 4-CQA, 5-CQA), 3-CQA was predominant in the whole fruits (1.08 mg/g), next in the pericarp (0.66 mg/g), and the seeds (0.076 mg/g). The oil was rich in linoleic acid (C18:3 (n-3), 18.24%), ursolic acid (35.72 mg/g), and α-tocopherol (8.36 mg/g). The presence of druses and yellow oil droplets in the inner zone of the mesocarp and chromoplasts in the outer zone can be used as anatomical markers. These studies provide a phytochemical proof for accumulation of polyphenols mainly in the pericarp, and these structures may be taken into consideration as their source subjected to extraction to obtain polyphenol-rich extracts.

Paprika Capsicum annuum L. contains useful molecules such as carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are considered high-value functional and health ingredients. To obtain these compounds, paprika was extracted using different methods (Soxhlet, SC-CO2, and SC-CO2 with co-extractant) and at different parameters. The results showed that the carotenoid content decreased with the addition of the co-extractant while the fatty acid content and yield increased. It was found that the highest carotenoid content (capsanthin > β-carotene > capsorubin > zeaxanthin > β-cryptoxanthin > violaxanthin) was obtained at 50 °C/45 MPa for SC-CO2 extraction. Paprika extract rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, and α-linolenic acid) was obtained at 40 °C/25 MPa for SC-CO2 with co-extractant. The PUFA/SFA ratios for paprika extract were in agreement with the recommendations of nutritional guidelines. The use of SC-CO2 for the extraction of Capsicum annuum allowed us to obtain a high-quality, rich in carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, extract that can be used as a substrate in the industry.