The effect of pressure alterations on the yield of CO2, extracts from different anatomical parts of lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch.) and celery (Apium graveolens L.) was studied. It was found that by applying frequent pressure changes in the extraction vessel it is possible to increase the rate of the isolation of CO2 soluble materials from lovage seeds and leaves, lovage and celery roots. However, after passing a sufficient amount of the supercritical solvent, the yields were similar both for constant and pulsing extraction pressures. The composition of the extracts was analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and it was found that the phthalides were very important constituents in the extracts from all the anatomical parts of lovage, while linoleic acid was the most abundant component in the celery root extracts. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.