Obtaining Essential Oil and Shikimic Acid from Star Anise Fruit (Illicium verum Hook)

Abstract

The methods for obtaining simultaneously essential oil and shikimic acid from star anise fruit (Illicium verum Hook) were investigated. From obtained results, we chose a simple and effective method for desired purpose. With this method, distillation of essential oil and extraction of shikimic acid were simultaneously carried out in the round bottom flask of the Clevenger apparatus. The yield of essential oil and shikimic acid were 9.5% and 5.6% (r.m), respectively as well as the quality of the products is very good.