Supercritical fluid extraction of chamomile flower heads was performed on semi continuous extraction apparatus in the lab scale using carbon dioxide as solvent. The results of high pressure experiments were compared with those obtained with Soxhlet extraction, steam distillation and maceration. The obtained extracts were analysed by HPLC on a-bisabolol, matricine and chamazulene content and by gravimetrical method on essential oil and waxes content. The highest content of active components in extracts and highest extraction yield were obtained using SFE at 250 bar and 40 degrees C. At this extraction conditions the two step separation was used to optimize the separation of essential oil from unwanted components. Dynamic behaviour of the SFE with single step separation runs were analysed using two mathematical models for describing the constant rate period and subsequent falling rate period. Based on the experimental data, external mass transfer coefficient, diffusion coefficient and diffusivity in solid phase were estimated. Results showed acceptable agreement of calculated and experimental data. Based on the parameters determined in the lab scale the extraction process was successfully transferred to pilot scale. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.