https://doi.org/10.37229/fsa.fjas.2026.03.25

This study investigated stable accessions of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. subjected to gamma irradiation (0, 200, and 250 Gy) over a four-year cropping period. The research focused on the anthocyanin composition and the efficacy of supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (SCCO₂) (SFE) in isolating and enriching bioactive compounds from hibiscus calyces. By utilizing Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Headspace-Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with Gas chromatography / Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS), the study demonstrated that SCCO₂ is a superior method for capturing volatile oils and thermolabile compounds that are typically lost during traditional isolation. Acetic acid and anethole were identified as the primary volatile constituents in both control and mutant powders. Furthermore, High Performance Liquide Chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that before extraction, the 250 Gy mutant exhibited the highest delphinidin levels, while the 200 Gy mutant showed a significant increase in pelargonidin compared to the control.