The effects of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) conditions (pressure and temperature) on extraction yield and recoveries of biologically active components were studied using a 3(2) full factorial design. Pilot plant SFE experiments were performed in a 5 x 10(-3) m(3) Volume high-pressure vessel. The pressure and temperature were varied over the ranges of 100-450 bar and 40-60 degrees C, respectively. The yield and recoveries were compared to those obtained with n-hexane and ethanol (96%, v/v) extractions. The extract samples were analysed by TLC, TLC-densitometry, GC and HPLC methods. The obtained yields changed between 1.9 and 65.7 g kg(-1), according to the solvent power of the supercritical fluid. The recoveries of the different minor components were (g minor components kg(-1) dried raw material): 0.06-1.06 rotundifurane, 0.02-1.08 beta-sitosterol, 0.04-0.63 beta-amyrin, 0.87-2.71 casticin. By evaluation the designed experiments 450 bar and 45 degrees C were chosen as the best conditions within the ranges investigated. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.